Mamdani-backed socialist prevails in crowded primary to replace retiring rep

By Fox News · Fox News

Mamdani-endorsed state assembly member Claire Valdez secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday after defeating a crowded field in the primary for New York’s 7th Congressional District. The democratic socialist, who had been leading in the polls, defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, City Council Member Julie Won and civil rights attorney Vichal Kumar to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y. Velázquez, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, announced she would not seek re-election in November after more than three decades in office. In an endorsement posted on her campaign website, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised Valdez for supporting him during his mayoral campaign and sharing his progressive vision. HASAN PIKER CELEBRATES AMERICA BEING 'CLOSER THAN EVER' TO SOCIALISM AS HE BACKS NYC CANDIDATES "Claire Valdez stood with me on day one because she understands how change is won — by building power, raising expectations and delivering for working people," Mamdani said. "She comes from the labor movement and knows how to turn struggle into real gains on housing, health care and workers’ rights. That’s the kind of partner I need in Congress, and why I’m proud to endorse her." Velázquez, who also supported Mamdani's mayoral campaign , publicly slammed the mayor in January after he endorsed Valdez over Reynoso. "Honeymoons are short, and people need to pay attention to the work at hand," she told The New York Times. MAMDANI'S PRIMARY WIN EXPOSES DEMOCRAT DIVIDE AS TOP LEADERS WITHHOLD ENDORSEMENTS "Primaries sometimes can be a distraction from the work that you need to do," Velázquez said, adding that the mayor's involvement "opens up fights" with the people he governs. Valdez, a vocal critic of Israel , has called to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), expand universal healthcare, raise taxes on the wealthy, boost affordable housing and strengthen unions. "It’s a district that doesn’t just want…