New York State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez has won the Democratic Primary for New York House District 7, backed by Communist New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America. Valdez's platform includes policies such as "Unions for all," "Housing for all," "Medicare for all," and "Abolish ICE and Protect Immigrants." Her campaign focused on various issues, including immigration, healthcare, and education. Valdez's victory was announced shortly after 9 pm ET.
Valdez's immigration policy calls for the abolition of ICE and payment of reparations for illegal aliens. She has stated that the current immigration system is inhumane and has created a national emergency. Valdez's platform emphasizes the need to build a system that centers humanity and dignity for all people and invests in safe pathways to full citizenship. Her campaign also highlighted the need to address the root causes of migration, including political and economic instability and climate change.
Valdez won the four-way race handily, beating her closest competitor, Antonio Reynoso, by over 20 points. All four contenders in the race were critical of Israel and had attacked the nation for its actions in Gaza. Valdez was boosted by the city chapter of the DSA and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, while Reynoso had the backing of the state Working Families Party.
The 7th District, which covers parts of Brooklyn and Queens, has been dubbed the "Commie Corridor" due to the DSA's electoral power in the area. The campaign exposed tensions among progressive Democrats, with Valdez and Reynoso sparring over who had the most ironclad progressive values. Other candidates, including New York City Council member Julie Won and public defender Vichal Kumar, also ran in the race but failed to gain enough traction.
Valdez's victory is part of a larger trend, with all three Mamdani-backed Congressional candidates winning their races for the House. Another Mamdani-backed candidate, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, also won his race, defeating incumbent Democrat Rep. Dan Goldman. Democratic Socialist Darializa Chevalier also ousted longtime incumbent Democrat Rep. Adriano Espaillat, indicating a shift in the political landscape of New York.
