The new face of Congress: Mamdani's allies head to Washington

 

Lander, Valdez and Chevalier, all endorsed by the mayor, support halting military aid to Israel, although they differ on Zionism and the conditions for resuming assistance.

Three candidates backed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani – Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander – won races in solidly Democratic New York districts. All three had secured their party's nominations in June, defeating candidates backed by the Democratic establishment.

Lander, a Jewish politician and former New York City comptroller, defeated incumbent Dan Goldman. Valdez, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member serving in the New York State Assembly, won the nomination to succeed retiring congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. Chevalier, an anti-Zionist activist, narrowly defeated longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat.

The victories exposed tensions within the Democratic Party, with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries having backed the incumbents against Mamdani's candidates. FOX 5 NY reported that the endorsements had become a key storyline in New York's congressional primaries.

All three newcomers support halting military aid to Israel, although they differ on Zionism and the conditions for resuming assistance.

Chevalier drew criticism for attending a Times Square rally on October 8, 2023, where participants supported Hamas's attack and mocked the number of Israelis killed. She defended her attendance, saying she feared an Israeli response that would cost thousands of lives. (Read More)