The rise of far-left candidates in New York's primaries has raised alarm bells in Washington, with House Speaker Mike Johnson warning that communism is now "on our own shores." Johnson stated that "every American needs to wake up and understand the threat," as progressive hopefuls Brad Lander and Darializa Avila Chevalier, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America, unseated two Democratic incumbents.
The trio of far-left candidates, who are poised to win election in November, are fiercely critical of Israel, support abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and want to enact a wealth tax, among other progressive policy stances. Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old activist, has come under scrutiny for her past social media posts, which included claims that "Israel doesn't exist," expressed support for open borders, and stated that "all deportation is wrong."
Johnson also lamented the defeat of Rep. Dan Goldman, a Jewish lawmaker who faced antisemitic attacks over his support for Israel in the final days of the race. Goldman's Mamdani-backed challenger, Lander, is also Jewish and has vowed to support the Palestinian cause in Congress, sparking concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party.
The top Republican has repeatedly warned about the far-left's growing electoral power since Mamdani's upset mayoral victory last year. He cast the ascendant socialist flank as a stark contrast to Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections, saying "we've been saying it's a contrast election" and that "it's a contrast between commonsense and crazy."
Johnson also called attention to Democratic House candidate Mai Vang, a socialist who is running to unseat longtime Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif. Vang has faced backlash after videos surfaced showing her declining to face the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance as a member of the Sacramento city council.
The warnings from Johnson come as the far-left streamer Hasan Piker said earlier in June that a sweeping victory for the Mamdani-backed candidates would help advance the socialist movement's broader policy goals. Piker stated that "we do have an opportunity right here, right now, more than ever before" to push for socialism.
