Mamdani-backed progressives win in N.Y. as states hold primaries

Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 4:22 am

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's influence was a significant factor in Tuesday's Democratic primaries, as progressive candidates he endorsed secured key victories across New York state. The primaries, held in New York, Maryland, Utah, and South Carolina, offered a snapshot of voter sentiment and the evolving political landscape.

In New York, the race for District 10 was closely watched, with Brad Lander, a former city comptroller, challenging incumbent Daniel Goldman. Lander, who received endorsements from prominent progressives including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, centered his campaign on disagreements with Goldman's stance on increased U.S. support for Israel. Preliminary results showed Lander with a decisive lead, securing over 65% of the vote. Lander, addressing supporters after being introduced by Mayor Mamdani, emphasized common ground and a shared desire to counter "Trumpism," renew democracy, and advocate for a humane global path. He highlighted solidarity as a crucial force against fascism, the abolition of ICE, and the influence of billionaires.

Another Mamdani-backed candidate, Claire Valdez, appeared poised to win in New York's District 7, potentially succeeding outgoing Representative Nydia Velazquez. Valdez secured over 55% of the vote, outpacing Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. In District 13, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a former field organizer for Mamdani, was narrowly leading incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat, with Chevalier holding nearly 49% of the vote.

New York's District 12 saw a competitive field without a Mamdani endorsement. Micah Lasher led with nearly 39% of the vote, followed by Alex Bores with over 34%, and Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, with over 10%. This race featured artificial intelligence as a central theme, with significant funding directed towards super PACs opposing Bores, who supports AI regulation.

Beyond New York, South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial runoff saw Attorney General Alan Wilson secure a strong victory with over 68% of the vote against Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. This outcome followed a shift in support from President Donald Trump, who had initially endorsed Evette but later offered a more neutral stance. Wilson will now face Democratic state Representative Jermaine Johnson in the general election.

In Maryland, Adrian Boafo, a former field director for Representative Steny Hoyer, was leading the Democratic primary for District 5 with nearly 32% of the vote. In Utah, former Representative Ben McAdams was on track to win the Democratic nomination for the newly drawn District 1, capturing over 60% of the vote.

BNN's Perspective:
The primary results, particularly in New York, suggest that progressive endorsements, especially those from influential figures like Mayor Mamdani, continue to hold significant sway in Democratic contests. The emphasis on issues like foreign policy and economic fairness resonated with voters, indicating a desire for candidates who align with these progressive ideals. While the outcomes in other states highlight different political dynamics, the New York results underscore the ongoing internal debates within the Democratic Party regarding policy and leadership.

Tags: New York primaries, progressive candidates, Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, Daniel Goldman, Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Adriano Espaillat, Micah Lasher, Alex Bores, Jack Schlossberg, South Carolina gubernatorial runoff, Alan Wilson, Pamela Evette, Donald Trump, Maryland primaries, Adrian Boafo, Utah primaries, Ben McAdams, Democratic primary, Republican primary

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