Mayor Mamdani of New York Says, "DSA Can Win Anywhere in the U.S.... Growing Desire for New Politics"

All Three Endorsed Candidates Win in Democratic Primary

Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York City, recently commented on the successive victories of progressive candidates he supported in the New York Democratic primary, stating, "Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) can be elected to any position, in any region of the United States."

Mayor Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Party, appeared on ABC's current affairs program 'This Week' on June 28 (local time), saying, "There is a growing desire for a new kind of politics that puts workers at the center, not just in New York City, but across the United States."

He pointed out, "For too long, the Democratic Party has only explained to struggling citizens why life is difficult, but has failed to present a vision for how to make life better."

In the New York Democratic House primary held on June 23, all the candidates publicly endorsed by Mayor Mamdani—Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez—won their races. Among them, Lander and Avila Chevalier caused upsets by defeating incumbent Democratic representatives.

In New York’s 10th Congressional District, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated Representative Dan Goldman, who was seeking a third term. This district has a high proportion of Jewish voters, and the issue of U.S. military support for Israel emerged as a major point of contention.

In the 13th District, political newcomer and democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated five-term incumbent and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Adriano Espaillat. In the 7th District, New York State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez beat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who was backed by the party establishment.

These results have sparked analysis suggesting that internal divisions within the Democratic Party are growing. The party mainstream remains skeptical about the expansion of the democratic socialist wing to which Mayor Mamdani belongs. Party leaders such as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have maintained that the outcome of the New York primary does not necessarily reflect national electoral trends.

However, Mayor Mamdani countered that this cannot be dismissed as a phenomenon unique to New York. He said, "The message to fight for workers does not need to be nationalized—it is already a national message. The problems of affording rent, groceries, and childcare are not unique to New York."

He also emphasized that simply opposing the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is not enough for the Democratic Party. Mayor Mamdani remarked, "For too long, all our party could say was that we oppose the current administration," and questioned, "What can we say beyond that?" He added, "What these candidates are offering is a vision that goes beyond the midterms and even the 2028 presidential election."

Israel policy also emerged as a key issue. According to ABC, U.S. military support for Israel was a major topic in all three House primary races. Mayor Mamdani stated, "The Democratic Party should allow Democratic voters to set the direction on the issue of Israel," adding, "New York voters want politics based on conscience, clarity, and conviction."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.