Summary:

Three candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) — Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez, and Brad Lander — won Democratic primaries for U.S. House seats in New York on June 23, 2026. All three were actively supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, himself a prominent DSA member whose own rise to power has accelerated the socialist left's consolidation within the Democratic Party. The sweep signals a deepening structural shift in U.S. urban politics, demonstrating that the DSA's grassroots organizing model is capable of toppling entrenched incumbents and winning competitive open-seat races. For observers tracking the rise of the socialist left across Western democracies, these results confirm that the United States is no longer an exception to a broader global trend — it is increasingly central to it.

 

Detailed Report

 

1. The Democratic Socialists of America: Organization, Ideology, and Influence

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with membership exceeding 100,000 as of 2026. Founded in 1982 through the merger of the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee and the New American Movement, the DSA has evolved from a marginal group into a central force in progressive politics. Its structure is decentralized, with over 250 local chapters and a National Political Committee guiding strategy and endorsements. 

The DSA's platform is rooted in democratic socialism, advocating for universal healthcare, the abolition of private health insurance, robust labor rights, the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the decommodification of housing. The organization also supports the Green New Deal, expanded tenant protections, and a foreign policy grounded in anti-imperialism and solidarity with global movements. In recent years, the DSA has adopted an explicitly anti-Zionist stance, supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.

Electoral strategy centers on endorsing candidates in Democratic primaries, particularly in urban districts. Notable successes include the elections of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Jamaal Bowman, with the 2026 cycle marking a new high point as DSA-backed candidates swept key New York primaries. The DSA's influence has generated both enthusiasm among progressives and criticism from centrist Democrats and conservatives, particularly regarding its positions on policing, immigration, and Israel.

 

2. Election Results: 2026 New York Democratic Primaries

2A. Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13):

Darializa Avila Chevalier won the Democratic primary for New York's 13th Congressional District, defeating five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat. With over 86% of the vote counted, according to the New York City Board of Elections, Chevalier secured 49.4% to Espaillat's 45.9%, a margin of 3.5 percentage points. The race was closely watched due to Chevalier's abolitionist platform and the significant outside spending targeting her campaign.

 

2B. Claire Valdez (NY-7):

Claire Valdez, a state assemblywoman and union organizer, prevailed in the primary for New York's 7th Congressional District. She received approximately 56–58% of the vote, defeating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (33–36%) and Queens Council Member Julie Won (6–7%). Valdez's campaign was notable for its strong DSA and labor backing, as well as its focus on radical immigration and healthcare policies.

 

2C. Brad Lander (NY-10):

Brad Lander, former New York City Comptroller, won the primary for New York's 10th Congressional District with 62–66% of the vote, defeating incumbent Dan Goldman (34–38%). Lander's decisive victory was attributed to his left-wing platform and endorsements from Mayor Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders. The race was shaped by debates over Israel and U.S. foreign policy.

 

3. Candidate Backgrounds: Statements and Ideological Positions

 

3A. Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13):

Chevalier, a public defense investigator from Harlem, has called for the abolition of prisons, ICE, and national borders. She has stated, "A world without borders—just like a world without prisons or police—is possible, necessary, and the only moral way forward," and has explicitly advocated for ending all deportations, including those involving violent offenders, according to posts later deleted from her account. Chevalier's social media history also includes referring to the United States as a "f**king disgrace" and describing acts of disrespect toward the American flag. She has also called for the nationalization of utilities and the seizure of properties from landlords. Her positions on Israel and Palestine have been highly critical of U.S. and Israeli policy, aligning with the DSA's anti-Zionist stance.

 

3B. Claire Valdez (NY-7):

Valdez, a Mexican American labor organizer, has proposed granting citizenship and voting rights to undocumented immigrants and supports taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care. She has argued that "borders are a tool of white supremacy" and has called for the elimination of private health insurance in favor of a single-payer system. Valdez's platform includes the abolition of ICE, the expansion of social housing, and the dismantling of the tuition-and-loan model for higher education. Her rhetoric has been unapologetically radical, emphasizing the need for transformative change in U.S. society.

 

3C. Brad Lander (NY-10):

Lander, a veteran progressive, has consistently called for the abolition of ICE and the forgiveness of all student loan debt. He has described ICE as "an instrument of terror" and has advocated for expanding the Supreme Court to "restore democracy." Lander has supported significant reductions in police funding and has been a vocal critic of U.S. support for Israel, describing Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide and calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state. His campaign has also emphasized public funding for abortion and the creation of safe consumption sites for drug users.

 

Conclusion

The victories of Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez, and Brad Lander in the 2026 New York Democratic primaries mark a significant advance for the socialist movement in the United States. Backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America, these candidates have articulated platforms and made statements that challenge the foundations of mainstream American politics. Their wins underscore the growing influence of the DSA and signal a potential realignment within the Democratic Party.