New York's congressional candidates make final case in last day before primary

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, finds himself at the center of a pivotal moment in the Democratic Party as he leverages his growing influence to shape the city’s congressional landscape. With Tuesday’s primaries set to determine the fate of several key races, Mamdani’s political clout is being tested against a backdrop of rising progressive activism and substantial outside spending from powerful interest groups. These elections are not merely local contests—they represent a broader ideological battle within the Democratic Party, with implications for national policy and governance.

Among the most anticipated races is the contest in New York’s 12th Congressional District, where two competing super PACs—Leading the Future and Jobs and Democracy PAC—are pouring millions into the fray. Leading the Future, backed by OpenAI and venture capital firms, is actively opposing Democratic state legislator Alex Bores, who advocates for stringent AI regulations. This group has already spent at least $10 million to counter Bores' candidacy, highlighting the growing role of tech industry interests in shaping legislative agendas. Conversely, Jobs and Democracy PAC, supported by Anthropic, frames itself as more attuned to AI risks and regulatory concerns, aligning with Bores’ platform. The race also involves Micah Lasher, a former aide to Governor Kathy Hochul and retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler, who has garnered endorsements from influential figures such as Bloomberg and Nadler. Lasher’s campaign emphasizes his legislative achievements on housing and urban development, positioning him as a pragmatic choice for constituents.

Another notable race is the effort to replace long-serving Representative Steny Hoyer in Maryland, where the pro-Israel AIPAC and a pro-crypto super PAC are heavily investing in Del. Adrian Boafo, Hoyer’s chosen successor. This race has attracted significant financial backing, with Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer known for his response to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, raising substantial funds from individual donors. Additionally, Quincy Bareebe, a home healthcare CEO who contributed over $5 million to Dunn’s campaign, adds another layer of complexity to the race. Meanwhile, the United Democracy PAC, a pro-Israel organization, has also allocated considerable resources to support candidates in New York’s primaries, underscoring the intersection of foreign policy and domestic electoral strategy.

Mamdani’s influence extends beyond these races, particularly in the fight to unseat established Democrats. He is endorsing Claire Valdez, a former state Assembly colleague and fellow democratic socialist, in her challenge against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who seeks to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez. While both candidates share progressive values, Valdez positions herself as a potential ally of Mamdani in Washington, signaling a strategic alignment that could bolster her chances. Similarly, Mamdani supports Brad Lander, the former city comptroller, in his bid to oust Rep. Dan Goldman, a fellow Democrat who has resisted Mamdani’s endorsement. Lander’s campaign highlights his close relationship with the mayor, contrasting with Goldman’s efforts to distance himself from Mamdani’s political brand.

The stakes are further heightened by the presence of high-profile figures such as Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy family heir, who is vying for a congressional seat in Manhattan. Schlossberg’s campaign benefits from his familial legacy and social media presence, yet he faces formidable opposition from Bores and Lasher, each backed by distinct financial and political networks. Meanwhile, George Conway, a former Republican lawyer turned Trump critic, adds a unique dimension to the race, illustrating the shifting allegiances within the political spectrum.

As the polls close, the outcome of these races will likely reflect the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party, with Mamdani’s endorsements serving as a barometer of the movement’s strength. The results could signal a realignment of power, reshaping the balance between progressive ideals and traditional Democratic leadership. What remains clear is that the primaries are far more than mere elections—they are a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle to define the party’s direction in the years ahead.