Far-Left Anti-Israel Candidates Win NYC Democratic Primaries

Two far-left anti-Israel candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America won Democratic congressional primaries in New York City on Tuesday, marking a major political win for Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his allies.

Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in New York’s 7th Congressional District, while Darializa Chevalier upset incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District.

Mamdani strongly supported both candidates, along with Brad Lander, a Jewish leftist and sharp critic of Israel who also won his primary race.

The victories suggest Mamdani’s mayoral win was not a one-time political shock, but part of a growing far-left movement inside New York Democratic politics.

Anti-Israel Rhetoric Took Center Stage

Valdez made attacks on Israel a major part of her campaign, criticizing Reynoso for not accusing Israel of genocide sooner and falsely suggesting he was backed by AIPAC.

Chevalier, a longtime anti-Israel activist at Columbia University, has drawn heavy criticism for extremist rhetoric, including posts claiming “Israel doesn’t exist” and support for Palestinian terrorist Rasmea Odeh.

She also attended a rally after the October 7 Hamas massacre and reportedly refused to condemn Hamas during a meeting with a progressive Democratic group.

Pro-Israel Democrats Also Hold Ground

Despite the far-left wins, several pro-Israel Democrats also won their races. Rep. Ritchie Torres easily defeated Michael Blake in the Bronx, while Rep. Grace Meng won her Queens primary.

George Latimer and Tom Suozzi also won their primaries outside New York City, and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli defeated a challenger who pushed divestment from Israel.

The results show a divided Democratic Party, with far-left anti-Israel activists gaining power in some districts while strong pro-Israel voices continue to hold key seats.