Mamdani-backed candidates sweep New York Democratic primaries

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani scored a major political victory on Tuesday as all three candidates he endorsed won their Democratic primary races, strengthening the influence of the party’s progressive wing in the city.

The biggest result came in New York’s 10th Congressional District, where progressive candidate Brad Lander defeated incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman. The race was closely watched as a test of Mamdani’s growing influence within the Democratic Party.

Lander’s victory also highlighted deep divisions among Democrats over the Israel-Gaza conflict. While Lander has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, Goldman was strongly supported by pro-Israel groups and defended Israel throughout his campaign.

Lander defeats Goldman

According to a BBC report, with most votes counted, Lander secured a commanding victory, winning nearly 66 per cent of the vote compared to Goldman’s 34 per cent.

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Lander, who was endorsed by Mayor Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, celebrated the result as a sign that voters wanted leaders willing to challenge powerful interests.

In a message after the election, he said voters in his district, which includes parts of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, wanted leadership that would stand up against authoritarianism.

Goldman accepted the result and congratulated his opponent. “The voters have spoken,” he said, adding that although he was disappointed, he respected their decision.

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the result, criticising Goldman and calling him “weak and pathetic” in a social media post.

More wins for Mamdani allies

According to the report, two other candidates backed by Mamdani also won important races.

State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th District.

In the 13th District, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a doctoral student and activist who has participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University, defeated longtime Congressman Adriano Espaillat.

Espaillat had represented the district for five terms and currently serves as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Mamdani praised Chevalier after her victory, describing her as a leader with strong principles and conviction.

Party divisions come into focus

The results are likely to intensify debate within the Democratic Party about its future direction.

Mamdani has argued that Democrats should focus more on working-class voters and support candidates who push for major policy changes. The candidates he backed have called for higher taxes on wealthy Americans, the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and have sharply criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.

However, many establishment Democrats worry that such positions may not appeal to moderate and swing voters in November’s midterm elections.

The victories represent a significant boost for New York’s progressive movement and further strengthen Mamdani’s standing as one of the most influential voices on the Democratic left.