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Among the night’s most closely watched races was the defeat of Rep. Dan Goldman, one of the Democratic Party’s more vocal supporters of Israel, by former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
By United with Israel Staff
Candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America scored a series of victories in Tuesday’s Democratic congressional primaries, advancing several candidates who have been sharply critical of Israel and supportive of efforts to curtail U.S. military assistance to the Jewish state.
Among the night’s most closely watched races was the defeat of Rep. Dan Goldman, one of the Democratic Party’s more vocal supporters of Israel, by former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Goldman has opposed the BDS movement, voted in support of Israel following the October 7 attacks, backed the censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib over her use of the phrase “From the River to the Sea,” and repeatedly rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Lander, who aligned himself closely with Mamdani during the campaign, has called for a “reset” of the U.S.-Israel relationship, supports conditioning military aid to Israel, opposes the sale of offensive weapons to the Jewish state, and has described Israel’s war in Gaza as a genocide.
He has also said he would vote to recognize a Palestinian state and has advocated for an alliance between anti-Zionists and liberal Zionists.
Another major victory came from State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialist who defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and New York City Councilwoman Julie Won in her primary race.
Valdez has been one of New York’s most outspoken critics of Israel. She supports the BDS movement, has called Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide, backs ending U.S. military aid to Israel, and was arrested during anti-Israel protests outside the offices of Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
She also supports legislation targeting charities involved with Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.
Meanwhile, Darializa Avila Chevalier appeared poised to pull off an upset over longtime Congressman Adriano Espaillat, holding a narrow lead that prompted the incumbent to concede.
A convert to Islam and self-described democratic socialist, Avila Chevalier has repeatedly accused Israel of genocide, supports cutting off U.S. military aid to Israel, backs the BDS movement, and has advocated restricting American weapons sales to the Jewish state.
She has also participated in anti-Israel demonstrations and sharply criticized Espaillat for his support of Israel and acceptance of campaign contributions from AIPAC.
When asked during a candidate forum whether she condemned Hamas for the October 7 attacks, Avila Chevalier initially shifted the discussion to Israeli policies toward Palestinians before later stating that she did condemn Hamas.
The victories represent a major triumph for the Mamdani-backed progressive coalition and one of the strongest showings yet for anti-Israel candidates in New York politics.
As Mamdani’s influence continues to grow, so too does the political power of a movement increasingly defined by opposition to Israel and support for restricting U.S. assistance to the Jewish state.
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