Mamdani-backed socialist prevails in crowded primary to replace retiring rep

Claire Valdez, a Mamdani-endorsed state assembly member, won the Democratic primary for New York’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Antonio Reynoso, Julie Won, and Vichal Kumar. Valdez, a democratic socialist, is supported by progressive figures like Hasan Piker and the Justice Democrats, and advocates for policies including abolishing ICE and expanding universal healthcare.