Clean Sweep as Three Mamdani-Backed Candidates Secure New York Primaries
Tyunews.com – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s influence was evident on Tuesday as his three endorsed congressional candidates advanced to the November general election, unseating two Democratic incumbents in key districts. The primary results marked a significant political shift, with Mamdani’s support proving decisive in several races.
New York’s Congressional Races
In the 7th Congressional District, state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez is projected to defeat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Meanwhile, Brad Lander, a former city comptroller, is set to face incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th District. Similarly, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a community advocate, will challenge Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District, according to ABC News projections.
Out of state, the Republican primary in New York’s 21st District saw businessman Anthony Constantino emerge as the nominee, backed by former President Donald Trump. Constantino gained attention in 2024 for displaying a large “Vote for Trump” sign at his Mohawk Valley factory. His victory highlights a rift within the state’s Republican Party, as the New York Republican State Committee chair endorsed Robert Smullen, a retired Marine Corps officer, in the same race.
Broader Implications Across States
While New York dominated headlines, other primaries also shaped the political landscape. In Maryland, Delegate Adrian Boafo is projected to secure the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer in the state’s 5th District. Boafo, a former aide to Hoyer, received endorsements from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, adding to the competitive nature of the race.
ABC News also projects Moore to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary, positioning him as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race. He will face state Del. Dan Cox in the Republican primary, setting up a rematch from 2024.
South Carolina and Utah Races
In South Carolina, Attorney General Alan Wilson is expected to win the Republican gubernatorial runoff, following his primary victory. His win comes after receiving endorsements from Trump and local representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Wilson will contest against state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, who won the Democratic primary.
Earlier, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette led the Republican primary in South Carolina but fell short of the 50% threshold needed for an outright win. Trump’s endorsement of both Evette and Wilson on last Friday underscored his ongoing political impact in the state.
Utah’s 1st District saw former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams projected as the Democratic nominee, following court-ordered redistricting that transformed the area into a reliably blue district around Salt Lake City. McAdams will face a Naval Reserve candidate in the general election, as the state seeks to solidify its Democratic stronghold.
“The race highlighted a divide in the Empire State’s Republican Party,” noted ABC News, emphasizing the conflicting endorsements that shaped the outcome.
