Mamdani Endorses Socialist Challengers, Igniting Democratic Party Infighting in New York

The Democratic Party’s internal divisions are spilling into public view as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani throws his political weight behind a slate of Democratic Socialist candidates challenging established Democrats.

The most explosive fight is unfolding in northern Manhattan and the Bronx, where Mamdani has endorsed Democratic Socialist activist Darializa Avila Chevalier against incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the June 23 Democratic primary.

Political insiders say the race is shaping up as an early test of how far Mamdani’s influence extends beyond City Hall and whether the Democratic Socialists of America can expand their footprint beyond their traditional strongholds.

“In New York City, it’s a civil war in the Democratic Party,” campaign consultant Evan Roth Smith said.

Smith described the contest as an experiment that could determine whether Mamdani’s coalition can translate mayoral success into broader control over Democratic politics in the city.

The move has drawn criticism from establishment Democrats who view Espaillat as a reliable incumbent with deep ties to the district.

Even state Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs publicly questioned Mamdani’s decision.

“I think it’s a mistake. When you have a good incumbent, stick with him,” Jacobs said.

The backlash reflects a broader struggle playing out inside the party between traditional Democrats and an increasingly assertive socialist wing eager to reshape the party’s future.

The district itself presents a challenging battleground for Mamdani’s movement. Unlike Brooklyn and lower Manhattan neighborhoods that have become fertile ground for Democratic Socialists, the 13th Congressional District is heavily Hispanic, Latino, and Black and has not historically been considered a DSA stronghold.

Still, Mamdani’s allies believe demographic changes and an influx of younger voters could make the district more receptive to an insurgent campaign.

The endorsement is particularly notable because Espaillat backed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the mayoral primary before later rallying behind Mamdani after his victory.

Avila Chevalier has generated controversy of her own through past social media posts attacking police, criticizing establishment Democrats, and directing harsh rhetoric at political figures across the ideological spectrum. Her comments have already become a flashpoint in the race and are likely to receive increased scrutiny as the primary approaches.

But the battle for the future of New York Democrats extends beyond a single congressional district.

Mamdani has also endorsed Assemblywoman Claire Valdez in the open 7th Congressional District race, where she faces opposition from candidates backed by longtime Democratic allies of retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez.

Meanwhile, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has received Mamdani’s support in a challenge against incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in another closely watched Democratic contest.

Taken together, the endorsements suggest Mamdani and his allies are playing a long game. Rather than focusing solely on City Hall, they appear intent on building a broader political infrastructure capable of reshaping the Democratic Party from the ground up.

Whether voters embrace that vision or rally behind incumbent Democrats could determine not only the outcome of several June primaries but also the future direction of Democratic politics in America’s largest city.

More over at The New York Post:

Mamdani-backed House hopeful Darializa Avila Chevalier called for ‘world without borders,’ claimed ‘Israel doesn’t exist’ https://t.co/ZoZqyx8Ylc pic.twitter.com/FQNJJM83ak

— New York Post (@nypost) June 2, 2026