New York mayor backs progressive wave in Democratic primaries

Three progressive candidates supported by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won Democratic primaries for traditionally Democratic House seats in the city, unseating two incumbents, including the chair of the Hispanic Caucus. The victories were hailed as a clear leftward shift in the party, with supporters chanting “Free Palestine” as Mamdani, wearing a Knicks jersey, announced the results.

The newly elected challengers advocate policies such as government‑funded health insurance, higher taxes on the wealthy and expanded affordable‑housing measures. Shortly after the primaries, a city board voted to freeze rents for about one million apartments – roughly 40 % of the housing stock – for two years, a key promise of Mamdani’s campaign.

Democratic moderates fear the surge could deepen internal divisions. Representative Brad Lander warned that President Joe Biden’s “embrace of Bibi” was a “catastrophic mistake,” while former President Donald Trump labeled the Democratic left “godless communists” intent on destroying the country.