A new generation of socialist-styled Democrats is mounting primary challenges against House incumbents in New York, hoping to catch some of the far-left momentum that propelled Zohran Mamdani to the New York mayor’s office.
The onslaught of Mamdani-esque challengers highlights the growing ideological divide in the Democratic Party and the insurgent energy that is driving the party leftward.
Rep. Dan Goldman, a two-term Democratic congressman, faces multiple primary challengers in New York’s 10th Congressional District, which encompasses Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.
Former New York City comptroller and City Council member Brad Lander jumped in the race against Mr. Goldman, declaring, “We’re facing a five-alarm fire for our democracy, and we need leaders who will fight, not fold.”
While Mr. Goldman is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has a progressive score of roughly 93%, according to a scorecard by Progressive Punch, Mr. Lander may have something even better in New York’s eyes — an endorsement by the most high-profile socialists in the country: Mr. Mamdani and far-left icon Sen. Bernard Sanders, Vermont independent.
“Brad’s unwavering principles, deep knowledge, and sincere empathy are what make him a true leader,” Mr. Mamdani said in a statement about Mr. Lander. “He has been a trusted ally and partner of mine and I’m proud to support him as I know he’ll continue delivering for those who need government to show up for them the most.”
Mr. Goldman said he wasn’t sure why he was being challenged, telling Bloomberg that he “can’t quite figure out what the rationale is for why he feels like he should replace me.”
Also in the race is Nickie Kane, who calls herself a pro-worker candidate and supports the Green New Deal, taxing billionaires and making housing and health care a human right.
Another primary crowded with far-left challengers is New York’s 15th Congressional District.
Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres has held that seat representing the Bronx since 2021. Those wanting to replace him include:
• Michael Blake, a former state assemblyman who lost to Mr. Mamdani in the mayor’s race. He said he is running because “Ritchie Torres is failing.”
• Dalourney Nemorin, a public defender and an organizer for the Democratic Socialists of America.
• Jose Vega, who identifies as part of the LaRouche movement that emerged from the radical leftist student politics of the 1960s.
• Andre Easton, a socialist who teaches in public schools.
Mr. Torres welcomed the array of challengers, telling CNN: “The more the merrier.”
Also in New York City, Democratic Rep. Grace Meng’s primary challenger accuses her of being a corporate shill. She’s represented the 6th Congressional District, located entirely in Queens, since 2013 and is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
She’s not progressive enough for challenger Chuck Park, a former American Foreign Service officer and former staffer for the New York City Council.
“I’m not just running against an out-of-touch incumbent,” he wrote on social media. “I’m running against the corporate class that controls her. And I will fight to build a life of basic dignity for all of us.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, faces a challenge from the left in New York’s 13th Congressional District that encompasses upper Manhattan and part of the Bronx.
One of the challengers in the district, Darializa Avila Chevalier, has the backing of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Justice Democrats, a far-left group that helped elect New York’s Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Congress.
“So where is our congressman when ICE is kidnapping his constituents? Why should we let Adriano Espaillat vote to spend billions on bombs overseas when we’re struggling to afford rent and groceries right here in New York City?” Ms. Avila Chevalier said in a video launching her campaign.
“You deserve a member of Congress who isn’t cashing checks from AIPAC, real estate developers, or corporations,” she said. “You deserve a member of Congress who prioritizes the people, not their political career.”
Other contenders in that primary include democratic socialists Theo Chino-Tavarez and Oscar Romero.
“I’m running for New York’s 13th Congressional District to stand up to Trump’s fascism and to make public healthcare, housing, and education a right for all,” Mr. Romero said on social media.
