Three new progressives take NYC House seats after decisive wins

New York voters elected three new progressive representatives to Congress on Tuesday, marking a clear shift in the state's political direction. Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez won their bids for the 120th Congress, taking office in the 10th, 13th, and 7th districts respectively. These victories extend the momentum from the 2025 mayoral race won by Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist. All three candidates were considered favorites following the June 23 primaries, given the strong Democratic lean in their districts.

Adin Lenchner, a political strategist at Carroll Street Campaigns, described the result as the arrival of a new generation of leaders. "Brad, Darializa and Claire are on their way to help lift up that same vision of progressive leadership in DC," Lenchner said. The incoming members addressed the public shortly after winning, responding to President Donald Trump's earlier announcement that he would end annual military aid to Israel by the end of the year. That issue was central to the platforms of Lander, Avila Chevalier, and Valdez, who have opposed the war in Gaza.

Valdez, who serves in the state assembly and began her career in the labor movement, defeated Republican Melvin Rivera in a lopsided race. She questioned the president's consistency regarding military spending. "I don't know that we can trust this president to make moral and consistent decisions about our military budget, so we'll have to see," Valdez said outside a polling location. In other races, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won re-election in the 14th district, Micah Lasher won his first term against Caroline Shinkle, and Grace Meng defeated Joseph Chou in Queens.

Grace Meng characterized the Democratic midterm sweep as a mandate for the party to push back against the executive branch. "He has not treated Congress like a third and independent branch of government and is just going around doing whatever he wants," Meng said. Democrats in New York are also moving to install Hakeem Jeffries as House speaker. If selected, Jeffries would become the first Black speaker in the history of the lower chamber. Letitia James, who won re-election as state attorney general on Tuesday, predicted Jeffries would take the gavel.

In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul defeated Republican Bruce Blakeman. Blakeman, a lawyer and Nassau County executive, campaigned on tax cuts and immigration reform. Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Adrienne Adams will form the first all-woman executive ticket in New York history. Adams previously served on the New York City Council. Hochul, who has held the office since 2021, took aim at Trump during her victory speech, noting his heavy campaigning for Republicans before the vote.

"Just a few weeks ago, Donald Trump came to New York and told voters to pretend he was on the ballot," Hochul said. "Well, Mr President, you got your wish." The state elected a total of 26 members to the House in this cycle. Hochul begins her new term on January 1, and the new congressional leaders will be sworn in on January 3, 2027.