Claire Valdez, a New York State Assemblywoman, won the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 7. The primary, held on June 24, determined the party’s nominee for the upcoming congressional election.
She secured victory in a four‑candidate field, defeating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso by more than 20 percentage points. The margin represented the largest gap among the contenders.
Valdez’s campaign received endorsements from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America. These alliances highlighted the growing influence of progressive groups in the district.
Her platform advocated universal union representation, affordable housing, Medicare for all, and the abolition of ICE. Additional proposals included Puerto Rican statehood, expanded public transit, free transgender health services, unrestricted reproductive rights, and tuition‑free education.
Valdez described recent federal immigration policies as a national emergency and called for the dismantling of ICE. She also urged the creation of safe pathways to citizenship and reparations for those harmed by immigration enforcement.
The 7th District, covering sections of Brooklyn and Queens, has emerged as a stronghold for the Democratic Socialists of America. The party’s electoral strength shaped the campaign narrative and intra‑party competition.
Although the candidates agreed on many policy positions, Valdez and Reynoso sparred over the depth of their progressive credentials. Other candidates, including City Council member Julie Won and public defender Vichal Kumar, were unable to secure significant voter support.
Simultaneously, fellow Mamdani‑backed candidates, former city comptroller Brad Lander and Democratic Socialist Darializa Chevalier, won their respective primaries, defeating incumbent representatives. These outcomes reflect a broader shift toward left‑leaning representation within the state’s Democratic ranks.
The primary results signal a decisive move toward more progressive policy agendas among New York Democratic voters. The upcoming general election will test the durability of this shift in a traditionally competitive district.
