Tuesday night’s election results delivered a brutal blow to the Democratic establishment as socialists scored major victories in New York.Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani cemented his status as a kingmaker in national races Tuesday night, as establishment Democrats fell to a trio of insurgent challengers.Mamdani-backed Brad Lander defeated Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) by nearly 32 points after the Associated Press called the race within 10 minutes of the polls closing.
Darializa Avila Chevalier overtook another incumbent, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), in a closer race, despite the Democratic establishment investing heavily in saving Espaillat’s seat.In Brooklyn, Claire Valdez overtook Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso by roughly 20 points to win the Democratic nomination for an open House seat following Rep. Nydia Velazquez’s (D-NY) retirement.New York state Rep. Micah Lasher won the race to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the only race in which a progressive Democrat did not claim victory. Mamdani did not issue an endorsement in that race.Mamdani celebrated Tuesday night with all three victorious candidates, telling supporters at Lander’s election party that his former rival in last year’s mayoral race “brings a vision of politics that is more than what we’ve seen for so long.”Valdez offered perhaps the night’s most memorable line: “Solidarity forever, abolish ICE, free Palestine, organize your union, and join DSA.”2. Jeffries and Democratic establishment face significant setback
