Tuesday Primaries Test Socialist Momentum and Trump's Endorsement Power
Tuesday's primary elections in New York, Maryland, Utah, and South Carolina will test the rising influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party and measure the strength of President Donald Trump's endorsement power, which recently fell short in Iowa. Voters will also decide if a billionaire can finally buy a congressional seat or if a Trump-pardoned protester will head to Capitol Hill.
How is Zohran Mamdani pushing the Democratic Party left?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is using his influence to back democratic socialist candidates against his own party's incumbents. Six months into his tenure, Mamdani has endorsed challengers in three House races, raising the stakes for seats the Democrats are likely to keep in November.
Mamdani backed former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander against 10th District Rep. Dan Goldman. He also supports educator and immigrant rights activist Darializa Avila Chevalier against Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District. In the 7th District, Mamdani is backing Assemblywoman Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who is the preferred choice of retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez.
These endorsements highlight a broader ideological battle. Mamdani's support for Avila Chevalier has frustrated Latino leaders and Jewish leaders, who noted her attendance at a widely condemned pro-Palestinian rally the day after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. At a recent rally with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Mamdani also attacked the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, suggesting AIPAC was part of a group of