Veteran Democrat's Stunning Loss Reveals Mayor's Significant Influence Over Leftist Base
As the results continued to roll in, the impact of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsements became increasingly clear, with his allies making significant gains in the Democratic House primary races. The victories of Brad Lander and Darializa Avila Chevalier marked a significant milestone for the progressive coalition, which is seeking to make inroads in the midterms. Lander's win, in particular, highlighted the divisions within the Democratic Party, as he ran to the left of Representative Dan Goldman and criticized his stance on Israel.
The outcome of these primaries has set the stage for a fascinating general election, with Democrats seeking to capitalize on the momentum generated by these victories. In the suburbs north of New York City, the Democratic nominee will face off against Representative Mike Lawler, a vulnerable Republican incumbent, in a contest that could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the state, Democrats are looking to flip districts currently held by Republicans, including the North Country seat being vacated by Representative Elise Stefanik. The Republican primary to replace Stefanik has been marked by infighting, fueling Democratic hopes of capturing the district in the fall. As the dust settles on the primaries, attention will now turn to the general election, where Democrats will seek to build on the momentum generated by these victories and make significant gains in the midterms.
Gov. Kathy Hochul praised Micah Lasher's accomplishments, including building affordable housing and protecting women's rights, at his victory party. Lasher's win in the 12th District was a significant victory for the Democratic establishment, as he was backed by outgoing Representative Jerry Nadler.
In contrast, Nadler's colleague, Nydia Velazquez, saw her chosen successor, Antonio Reynoso, lose to Claire Valdez, who was endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The victory party for Valdez, held in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featured a DJ set by activist Chelsea Manning and a energetic crowd.
In the Republican primary for New York's North Country, Anthony Constantino, a sticker magnate and amateur rapper, won the nomination despite being opposed by the state Republican Party. Constantino, who has been endorsed by President Trump, will face a challenging general election campaign, as he has made enemies among local Republicans and is embroiled in a lawsuit with the leader of the state Conservative Party.
The Conservative Party has backed Constantino's opponent, Robert Smullen, who has vowed to continue his campaign into the general election, potentially splitting the Republican vote. This development has raised concerns about Constantino's ability to win the district, which was previously represented by Elise Stefanik, another Trump ally.
Meanwhile, at Darializa Avila Chevalier's watch party, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student who was arrested by ICE in a high-profile case, made an appearance. Avila Chevalier, who is leading in the votes counted so far, based her campaign on her experience as an activist and organizer, including helping to lead protests at Columbia University against the war in Gaza.
Brad Lander, who won his primary, shared his plans to continue his advocacy work, including attending immigration hearings at 26 Federal Plaza on Wednesday morning. Lander's victory, along with those of other progressive candidates, has set the stage for a competitive general election in New York's congressional districts. In the 12th District, Micah Lasher's victory over Alex Bores was influenced by age, with Lasher performing well in precincts with older populations.
Assemblyman Alex Bores delivered a concession speech, focusing on the significant financial backing his opponents received from groups aligned with technology companies like OpenAI. He claimed these groups aimed "to make an example" of him, but asserted that the outcome was not what they had intended. Bores stated, "This was a huge and unprecedented fight and we did not back down. While we came up short tonight, the example set here was very much not the one they intended."
In the 21st District, Anthony Constantino's watch party was underway at a forest-themed restaurant, with supporters wearing "Trump Endorsed Constantino" T-shirts. Meanwhile, Micah Lasher's victory in the 12th congressional district bucked the trend of young, inexperienced candidates with strong left-wing views dominating New York City politics. Lasher, a middle-aged dad with extensive governmental experience, secured a significant win.
The local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America was poised for a major victory, with seven of their eight endorsed candidates holding sizable leads. If these results hold, the D.S.A.'s influence in Albany would grow, potentially bolstering Mayor Zohran Mamdani's efforts to push for tax increases next year. At Alex Bores' watch party, his mother, Lori Bores, wore her signature "Mom" sash, having spent the day campaigning and finding time for a yoga class and nap.
Dan Goldman congratulated Brad Lander on his victory, saying, "I wish him very well as he transitions to representing this amazing district. It has been truly one of the greatest honors of my life to represent this incredible district." In South Carolina's First Congressional District, Nancy Lacore, a former Navy admiral, won the Democratic nomination, defeating Mac Deford. Lacore will now face a challenging task in flipping the seat, currently held by Republican Representative Nancy Mace.
Despite the difficulties, Democrats view Lacore's military background as a potential asset. House Majority PAC has reserved $2.1 million in the district for the fall, according to AdImpact. Lacore has raised over $1.6 million in funds, with the support of outside groups like VoteVets, which spent $100,000 on ads during the primary. Her national profile, boosted by her high-profile firing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has helped her become a successful fundraiser.
The outcome of the 12th congressional district primary has significant implications for the city's political landscape, with Mr. Lasher's victory potentially paving the way for a more moderate approach to governance. His campaign's emphasis on experience and policy expertise resonated with voters, who opted for a candidate with a proven track record over those with more flashy profiles.
As the general election approaches, Mr. Lasher is likely to face a relatively easy path to victory, given the district's strong Democratic leanings. However, his primary win has also sparked interest from national Republican groups, who may see an opportunity to pick up a seat in a district that, while heavily Democratic, has a history of electing moderate candidates.
In the aftermath of the primary, attention is turning to the potential impact of Mr. Lasher's victory on the city's legislative agenda. With his experience working for high-profile officials and his background in policy development, he is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the city's response to pressing issues such as housing, education, and public safety.
The city's Democratic establishment is also likely to take note of Mr. Lasher's win, which may be seen as a rebuke to the more progressive elements of the party. As the party looks to maintain its grip on power in the city, Mr. Lasher's victory could be a sign that voters are seeking a more pragmatic approach to governance, one that balances ideological commitment with a focus on getting things done.
In another closely watched primary, Cait Conley, a national security expert and combat veteran, has secured the Democratic nomination for a New York House seat that could play a crucial role in determining control of Congress. Her victory sets the stage for a competitive general election against Representative Mike Lawler, a Hudson Valley Republican who has sought to balance moderate policy positions with strong support for President Trump.
Ms. Conley's campaign has already attracted significant attention and financial backing from national Democratic groups, who believe her unique blend of military experience and commitment to liberal values makes her an attractive candidate in a district with a substantial veteran population. With millions of dollars in outside spending pouring in, Ms. Conley is well-positioned to mount a strong challenge to Representative Lawler.
The 17th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of the Hudson Valley, is one of the few remaining swing districts in the country. Its voters have demonstrated a willingness to split their tickets, having elected Kamala Harris as president in 2024 while simultaneously reelecting Representative Lawler to Congress. Until 2022, the seat was held by Sean Patrick Maloney, who led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Ms. Conley's personal story is one of remarkable achievement. A combat veteran who served six tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, she became one of the first women to lead a special ops team. She later served as the director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council under President Joseph R. Biden Jr. With degrees from West Point, Harvard, and M.I.T., Ms. Conley, 41, is a highly educated and accomplished candidate who is likely to appeal to a broad range of voters.
As the general election approaches, the contest between Ms. Conley and Representative Lawler is expected to be highly competitive. With 37 percent of the vote counted on Tuesday, Ms. Conley was 24 points ahead of her closest rival, Beth Davidson, a Rockland County legislator. The outcome of this election will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.
Effie Phillips-Staley, a progressive activist and Tarrytown village trustee, was in third place with 15 percent. The contest between the two front-runners had become increasingly nasty, with Beth Davidson using Cait Conley's work for two intelligence and defense contractors to claim that her opponent had helped support the Trump administration's deportation agenda. In response, Ms. Conley has denounced the actions of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, and called for reforms of the agency and an overhaul of the immigration system. This exchange highlights the sharp contrasts between the candidates and sets the stage for a contentious general election campaign.
The outcome of these primaries has set the stage for a fascinating general election, with Democrats seeking to capitalize on the momentum generated by these victories. In the suburbs north of New York City, the Democratic nominee will face off against Representative Mike Lawler, a vulnerable Republican incumbent, in a contest that could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the state, Democrats are looking to flip districts currently held by Republicans, including the North Country seat being vacated by Representative Elise Stefanik. The Republican primary to replace Stefanik has been marked by infighting, fueling Democratic hopes of capturing the district in the fall. As the dust settles on the primaries, attention will now turn to the general election, where Democrats will seek to build on the momentum generated by these victories and make significant gains in the midterms.
Gov. Kathy Hochul praised Micah Lasher's accomplishments, including building affordable housing and protecting women's rights, at his victory party. Lasher's win in the 12th District was a significant victory for the Democratic establishment, as he was backed by outgoing Representative Jerry Nadler.
In contrast, Nadler's colleague, Nydia Velazquez, saw her chosen successor, Antonio Reynoso, lose to Claire Valdez, who was endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The victory party for Valdez, held in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featured a DJ set by activist Chelsea Manning and a energetic crowd.
In the Republican primary for New York's North Country, Anthony Constantino, a sticker magnate and amateur rapper, won the nomination despite being opposed by the state Republican Party. Constantino, who has been endorsed by President Trump, will face a challenging general election campaign, as he has made enemies among local Republicans and is embroiled in a lawsuit with the leader of the state Conservative Party.
The Conservative Party has backed Constantino's opponent, Robert Smullen, who has vowed to continue his campaign into the general election, potentially splitting the Republican vote. This development has raised concerns about Constantino's ability to win the district, which was previously represented by Elise Stefanik, another Trump ally.
Meanwhile, at Darializa Avila Chevalier's watch party, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student who was arrested by ICE in a high-profile case, made an appearance. Avila Chevalier, who is leading in the votes counted so far, based her campaign on her experience as an activist and organizer, including helping to lead protests at Columbia University against the war in Gaza.
Brad Lander, who won his primary, shared his plans to continue his advocacy work, including attending immigration hearings at 26 Federal Plaza on Wednesday morning. Lander's victory, along with those of other progressive candidates, has set the stage for a competitive general election in New York's congressional districts. In the 12th District, Micah Lasher's victory over Alex Bores was influenced by age, with Lasher performing well in precincts with older populations.
Assemblyman Alex Bores delivered a concession speech, focusing on the significant financial backing his opponents received from groups aligned with technology companies like OpenAI. He claimed these groups aimed "to make an example" of him, but asserted that the outcome was not what they had intended. Bores stated, "This was a huge and unprecedented fight and we did not back down. While we came up short tonight, the example set here was very much not the one they intended."
In the 21st District, Anthony Constantino's watch party was underway at a forest-themed restaurant, with supporters wearing "Trump Endorsed Constantino" T-shirts. Meanwhile, Micah Lasher's victory in the 12th congressional district bucked the trend of young, inexperienced candidates with strong left-wing views dominating New York City politics. Lasher, a middle-aged dad with extensive governmental experience, secured a significant win.
The local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America was poised for a major victory, with seven of their eight endorsed candidates holding sizable leads. If these results hold, the D.S.A.'s influence in Albany would grow, potentially bolstering Mayor Zohran Mamdani's efforts to push for tax increases next year. At Alex Bores' watch party, his mother, Lori Bores, wore her signature "Mom" sash, having spent the day campaigning and finding time for a yoga class and nap.
Dan Goldman congratulated Brad Lander on his victory, saying, "I wish him very well as he transitions to representing this amazing district. It has been truly one of the greatest honors of my life to represent this incredible district." In South Carolina's First Congressional District, Nancy Lacore, a former Navy admiral, won the Democratic nomination, defeating Mac Deford. Lacore will now face a challenging task in flipping the seat, currently held by Republican Representative Nancy Mace.
Despite the difficulties, Democrats view Lacore's military background as a potential asset. House Majority PAC has reserved $2.1 million in the district for the fall, according to AdImpact. Lacore has raised over $1.6 million in funds, with the support of outside groups like VoteVets, which spent $100,000 on ads during the primary. Her national profile, boosted by her high-profile firing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has helped her become a successful fundraiser.
The outcome of the 12th congressional district primary has significant implications for the city's political landscape, with Mr. Lasher's victory potentially paving the way for a more moderate approach to governance. His campaign's emphasis on experience and policy expertise resonated with voters, who opted for a candidate with a proven track record over those with more flashy profiles.
As the general election approaches, Mr. Lasher is likely to face a relatively easy path to victory, given the district's strong Democratic leanings. However, his primary win has also sparked interest from national Republican groups, who may see an opportunity to pick up a seat in a district that, while heavily Democratic, has a history of electing moderate candidates.
In the aftermath of the primary, attention is turning to the potential impact of Mr. Lasher's victory on the city's legislative agenda. With his experience working for high-profile officials and his background in policy development, he is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the city's response to pressing issues such as housing, education, and public safety.
The city's Democratic establishment is also likely to take note of Mr. Lasher's win, which may be seen as a rebuke to the more progressive elements of the party. As the party looks to maintain its grip on power in the city, Mr. Lasher's victory could be a sign that voters are seeking a more pragmatic approach to governance, one that balances ideological commitment with a focus on getting things done.
In another closely watched primary, Cait Conley, a national security expert and combat veteran, has secured the Democratic nomination for a New York House seat that could play a crucial role in determining control of Congress. Her victory sets the stage for a competitive general election against Representative Mike Lawler, a Hudson Valley Republican who has sought to balance moderate policy positions with strong support for President Trump.
Ms. Conley's campaign has already attracted significant attention and financial backing from national Democratic groups, who believe her unique blend of military experience and commitment to liberal values makes her an attractive candidate in a district with a substantial veteran population. With millions of dollars in outside spending pouring in, Ms. Conley is well-positioned to mount a strong challenge to Representative Lawler.
The 17th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of the Hudson Valley, is one of the few remaining swing districts in the country. Its voters have demonstrated a willingness to split their tickets, having elected Kamala Harris as president in 2024 while simultaneously reelecting Representative Lawler to Congress. Until 2022, the seat was held by Sean Patrick Maloney, who led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Ms. Conley's personal story is one of remarkable achievement. A combat veteran who served six tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, she became one of the first women to lead a special ops team. She later served as the director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council under President Joseph R. Biden Jr. With degrees from West Point, Harvard, and M.I.T., Ms. Conley, 41, is a highly educated and accomplished candidate who is likely to appeal to a broad range of voters.
As the general election approaches, the contest between Ms. Conley and Representative Lawler is expected to be highly competitive. With 37 percent of the vote counted on Tuesday, Ms. Conley was 24 points ahead of her closest rival, Beth Davidson, a Rockland County legislator. The outcome of this election will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.
Effie Phillips-Staley, a progressive activist and Tarrytown village trustee, was in third place with 15 percent. The contest between the two front-runners had become increasingly nasty, with Beth Davidson using Cait Conley's work for two intelligence and defense contractors to claim that her opponent had helped support the Trump administration's deportation agenda. In response, Ms. Conley has denounced the actions of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, and called for reforms of the agency and an overhaul of the immigration system. This exchange highlights the sharp contrasts between the candidates and sets the stage for a contentious general election campaign.
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