Mamdani’s progressive allies vie for seats in Congress | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
New York City Mayor Mobilizes Support for Progressive Candidates Ahead of Midterms
In June, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed a crowd at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, rallying support for a trio of progressive candidates vying for congressional seats. The packed venue resonated with chants for policies including “Abolish ICE,” “Tax the rich,” and “Free Palestine,” reflecting the audience’s clear expectations from their representatives.
Days later, all three candidates endorsed by Mamdani—Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—successfully secured victories in their Democratic primaries. These wins position them as the party’s candidates for the upcoming midterm elections.
Lander, the former city comptroller, emerged victorious over Congressman Dan Goldman, with the campaign heavily influenced by the ongoing conflict in Israel. Avila Chevalier, a community organizer, unseated longtime Congressman Adriano Espaillat, while Valdez, a member of the New York State Assembly affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), claimed the nomination to succeed retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. Both Valdez and Avila Chevalier received significant support from New York City’s DSA chapter.
Given the Democratic lean of their districts, the candidates are anticipated to secure seats in Congress during the upcoming elections. The Democratic primaries functioned as a critical platform for voters expressing their preferences.
In the lead-up to Tuesday’s midterm elections, New York City, often referred to as the city that never sleeps, has seen decreased political activity, with fewer canvassers compared to the days before the primaries.
For the three progressive candidates, the past months have presented a challenge to transition ambitious campaign promises into actionable policy. The complexities of governance often contrast sharply with the enthusiastic slogans that energized their campaign events.
Distinct Approaches to Politics
Lander, Avila Chevalier, and Valdez share several campaign priorities, such as abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ending U.S. military aid to Israel, and establishing a comprehensive healthcare system known as Medicare for All. However, their paths to politics reveal distinct backgrounds.
Lander, a seasoned figure in New York City government, emphasized fiscal oversight as comptroller. His congressional campaign garnered national attention, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, which arose as a pivotal issue in a district with a significant Jewish population. Lander has characterized Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide and its occupation of Palestinian territories as apartheid, advocating for a two-state solution while identifying as a Zionist supportive of pro-Palestinian activism.
In a recent statement, Lander noted, “It’s straightforward that some approach to more shared safety for Israelis and Palestinians makes more sense.” He underscored the importance of engaging in constructive policy discussions.
Two weeks prior to the upcoming election, Lander was detained by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. He stated that his primary takeaway from the experience is the plight of Palestinians facing ethnic cleansing.
Avila Chevalier’s engagement in political activism was solidified through her experiences with immigration and Palestinian rights advocacy. Her platform, termed “Babies Not Bombs,” calls for reallocating military expenditures, including financial assistance to Israel, toward addressing domestic issues like childcare and healthcare.
Valdez’s journey into politics began within the labor movement. Advocating for stronger labor protections and supporting federal initiatives such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, she promotes national rent control and improvements to access to healthcare.
The aspirations of these candidates—abolishing ICE and ceasing military aid to Israel—encounter formidable challenges in Congress. With potential shifts in congressional power favoring Democrats, the newcomers will need to prioritize their legislative goals effectively.
Following in Progressive Footsteps
The trio of candidates will not be the first progressive New Yorkers to enter Congress with promises of significant reform. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made headlines in 2018 by defeating longtime incumbent Joe Crowley and has since collaborated with Republicans on select initiatives.
Political strategist Nomiki Konst emphasized the importance of transforming ideological commitments into legislative achievements, which may require compromise and prioritization. Avila Chevalier faces scrutiny following calls for the resignation of New York City’s Police Commissioner, linked to a controversial incident involving ICE officers.
Despite these obstacles, Avila Chevalier expressed her commitment to collaboration, stating, “There is always something that two people can agree on. And that’s where I plan on starting.”
As the candidates prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, their ability to deliver on their platforms will largely depend on navigating the complex political landscape of Congress.
