All 3 Mamdani-backed candidates projected to win NY primaries
Democratic and Republican Primary Results in New York Highlight Key Shifts
All 3 Mamdani backed candidates projected - Updated on June 24, 2026 at 12:52 AM EDT, CBS New York reported significant outcomes across multiple congressional races. The night of primary voting saw decisive victories for several candidates, with a notable focus on the 13th Congressional District and other competitive districts. The results reflect evolving political dynamics and voter priorities, as well as endorsements that shaped the campaigns.
Concession in the 13th District Signals Transition of Leadership
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat, officially conceded his bid for re-election in New York’s 13th Congressional District after losing to Darializa Avila Chevalier. Espaillat, who has represented the area for over three decades, acknowledged the defeat with a heartfelt message. “This community has been a cornerstone of my career, and together we’ve achieved so much,” he said during a press conference, speaking in both English and Spanish. “Tonight wasn’t our night, but I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
“Tonight, we haven’t just won an election—we have declared that this movement is durable, that it is growing, and that it will not stop until working people are no longer asked to just build the table, no longer just offered a seat at the table, but will run the table,” said Valdez, emphasizing her campaign’s broader goals.
Espaillat’s concession marked the end of a long tenure in Congress, but he expressed confidence in the future of the district. He praised Chevalier, a prominent figure in the Democratic Socialists of America, for her ability to unite the community under a progressive vision. “I look forward to working with her to ensure our shared values continue to shape the district’s future,” he added.
Political Realignment Driven by Mamdani’s Endorsements
Senator Zohran Mamdani’s influence was evident in the primary results, as his backing of candidates in key districts contributed to their victories. Known for his advocacy of democratic socialism, Mamdani positioned his endorsed candidates as alternatives to traditional Democratic leadership. “This isn’t about voting for more Democrats—it’s about choosing better Democrats,” he asserted during a campaign rally, highlighting a shift in voter sentiment toward reformist policies.
CBS News analyst Marcia Kramer noted that Mamdani’s strategy aligned with recent polling indicating voter dissatisfaction with the status quo. “The electorate is ready to clean house,” she observed, suggesting that the movement toward progressive change is gaining momentum. The senator’s endorsement of Chevalier, who also represented the district in the 2022 elections, underscored his commitment to fostering new leadership.
Projected Winners Across Key Districts
According to CBS News projections, the following candidates have advanced in their respective races: - Christopher Gallant in NY-1 - Mike DeCillis in NY-11 - Darializa Avila Chevalier in NY-13 - Cait Conley in NY-17 - Micah Lasher in NY-12 - Claire Valdez in NY-7 - Thomas Suozzi in NY-3 - Grace Meng in NY-6 - Yvette Clarke in NY-9 - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in NY-14 - Ritchie Torres in NY-15
These victories highlight a diverse range of political strategies, with candidates addressing local concerns while aligning with national trends. For instance, the 17th Congressional District race saw Democrat Cait Conley, a former national cybersecurity expert, secure her place on the November ballot.
Focus on Progressive Agendas in the 17th District
Cait Conley’s win in NY-17 comes amid a growing emphasis on economic equity and social justice. A former director of counterterrorism on the National Security Council under the Biden administration, Conley brought a unique blend of military experience and policy expertise to her campaign. Her background includes six overseas deployments with the U.S. Army, which she leveraged to frame her platform around national security and community welfare.
“Tonight, we haven’t just won an election—we have declared that this movement is durable, that it is growing, and that it will not stop until working people are no longer asked to just build the table, no longer just offered a seat at the table, but will run the table,” said Valdez, emphasizing her campaign’s broader goals.
Conley’s platform includes proposals to reduce housing costs, expand access to affordable childcare, and strengthen healthcare systems. The 17th District, which spans parts of Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess counties, is recognized for its affluent neighborhoods, making Conley’s focus on economic accessibility particularly noteworthy.
Manhattan’s 12th District and the Legacy of Endorsements
State Assemblyman Micah Lasher emerged victorious in NY-12, a district covering the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown. His win is seen as a significant endorsement of progressive values in one of New York City’s most economically vibrant regions. Lasher will now face a mix of Republican and independent challengers in the general election, marking a continuation of his political journey.
His victory was supported by a coalition of prominent figures, including the retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and current Governor Kathy Hochul. Nadler’s endorsement, in particular, carried weight, as it signaled a handover of influence within the district. “This is a testament to the strength of our collective efforts,” Lasher stated, reflecting on the campaign’s success.
Reynoso’s Resilience and the Democratic Socialist Movement
State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez’s triumph in NY-7 was a strong statement in favor of the Democratic Socialists of America. Her campaign, backed by Mamdani, targeted Brooklyn’s progressive electorate and defeated longtime Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a tightly contested race. Valdez’s victory is interpreted as a sign of the movement’s growing appeal, particularly among younger voters.
“My people that were a part of this campaign, the thousands of people that voted for me, they can feel comfortable that I’m going to continue to fight for them 100%,” Reynoso remarked, expressing his commitment to supporting the mayor’s agenda even as he stepped down from the district.
Reynoso, while conceding, pledged to remain an advocate for progressive policies. “I’ll continue to push for the values that brought us together, even if the seat is no longer mine,” he said. His remarks underscored the importance of unity within the Democratic Party, despite the shift in leadership.
Regional Impact and Future Implications
Several candidates across New York state were projected to win their primaries swiftly, indicating a clear mandate for their platforms. The 13th Congressional District, which includes Washington Heights and Harlem, is particularly significant due to its diverse population and historical role in shaping urban policy. Chevalier’s win in this area is expected to bring fresh energy to the district’s representation.
Conley’s victory in NY-17, a district spanning northern suburbs, adds a new voice to the political landscape. Her military background and policy experience position her as a candidate who bridges personal story with legislative action. Meanwhile, Lasher’s win in Manhattan’s 12th District reinforces the district’s reputation as a hub for progressive activism, even as it remains economically robust.
The broader trend of early victories suggests that the Democratic and Republican parties are facing a landscape where candidates are not only competing for votes but also for the narrative of the upcoming general elections. As the November races approach, these projected winners will carry the momentum of their primary wins into the general election, shaping the political trajectory of their districts.
Endorsements and Campaign Dynamics
Endorsements played a critical role in the outcomes of several races. For example, Mamdani’s support for Valdez and Chevalier highlighted the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America in New York’s political scene. Similarly, Lasher’s campaign received backing from a mix of traditional and progressive figures, illustrating the district’s ideological diversity.
These endorsements not only bolstered candidates’ campaigns but also reflected broader political alignments. The race in NY-12, for instance, was marked by Lasher’s ability to unify different factions within the party. His victory is seen as a step toward replacing Nadler, whose retirement has created an opportunity for new leadership.
As the primary results settle, the focus now shifts to the general election, where these candidates will face a mix of challenges and opportunities. The momentum from Tuesday’s races underscores the importance of primary voting in shaping the nation’s political future, with New York’s diverse districts serving as bellwethers for national trends.