Tuesday Primaries Test Socialist Push and Trump Endorsements
Tuesday's primary elections in New York, South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah will test the strength of the far-left democratic socialist movement and the power of President Donald Trump's endorsements. In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is backing socialist challengers against mainstream Democrats. In South Carolina, a gubernatorial runoff will show if Trump's endorsement power remains strong after Iowa voters recently rejected his pick.
How New York's Socialist Mayor is Remaking the Democratic Party
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani isn't running for Congress, but he is the main character in a bid to pull the state's congressional delegation to the far left. Mamdani is backing three democratic socialist candidates to challenge mainstream Democratic incumbents.
The targets are Representative Adriano Espaillat in the Bronx and Representative Dan Goldman in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, along with an open seat in Queens. Goldman is well known to conservatives as the former federal prosecutor who led House Democrats' first impeachment investigation against President Donald Trump.
Mamdani's endorsements put him directly at odds with Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries wants to protect incumbents and lead his party back to the majority. The outcomes won't impact Democrats' path to power, but they will test Mamdani's clout and the strength of the socialist movement.
Mamdani is using his popularity among young voters to elevate far-left challengers. Activist Darializa Avila Chevalier is running against Espaillat. Former New York City comptroller Brad Lander is challenging Goldman. Assembly Member Claire Valdez faces Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and New York City Council Member Julie Won for an open seat.
Can Republican Mike Lawler Survive a Kamala Harris District?
U.S. Representative Mike Lawler is a vulnerable Republican who represents a district Kamala Harris won in 2024. On Tuesday, he will find out his general election opponent.
The top Democratic candidates are combat veteran Cait Conley and Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson. The lower Hudson Valley district is a top flip opportunity for Democrats.
However, the current political environment favors Republicans keeping the seat. Lawler will begin the general election with a massive $3 million to $4 million cash advantage over the Democratic nominee.
Big Money and Famous Names Battle for Nadler's Seat
A crowded field of Democrats is vying to succeed Representative Jerry Nadler in his Manhattan district. The race features some famous names and massive outside spending.
An Emerson College poll last month found Assembly Members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores in a statistical tie. Attorney George Conway, whose ex-wife Kellyanne Conway was a top Trump adviser, and Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg are trailing.
Stand for New York PAC, a super PAC funded by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has spent more than $10 million boosting Lasher. Think Big, a pro-AI super PAC, has spent nearly $8 million against Bores.
Schlossberg is the wild card. The 33-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy has a short professional resume but a strong social media presence with more than 850,000 followers on TikTok.
What Does the South Carolina Runoff Mean for Trump's Endorsement Power?
South Carolina voters will choose their likely next governor in a runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson.
President Trump initially endorsed Evette. Late last week, he signaled to South Carolina Republicans that they can't go wrong with either candidate.