Mamdani tests his political clout in New York's primary as he looks to reshape the Democratic Party

By — Steve Peoples, Associated Press Steve Peoples, Associated Press By — Anthony Izaguirre, Associated Press Anthony Izaguirre, Associated Press By — Matt Brown, Associated Press Matt Brown, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/mamdani-tests-his-political-clout-in-new-yorks-primary-as-he-looks-to-reshape-the-democratic-party Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Mamdani tests his political clout in New York's primary as he looks to reshape the Democratic Party Politics Jun 18, 2026 5:17 PM EDT NEW YORK (AP) — Not long ago, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was demonized by leaders of both political parties. Today, just six months after taking office, the 34-year-old democratic socialist's political strength is surging. Always a darling of the far left, he has earned praise from both President Donald Trump and former Democratic critics like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. He has emerged as the face of the region's sports renaissance. And days before New York's primary elections, Mamdani is testing the limits of his newfound political muscle in a bid to reshape the Democratic Party — in his state capital and in Washington — even if it means challenging his own party's leadership. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Mamdani will join Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. at a get-out-the-vote rally in Brooklyn on Thursday. The event is designed to elevate a slate of candidates aligned with Mamdani's values, including two running against Democratic incumbents in Tuesday's primary. "He's seeing that opportunity — that we can radically change the Democratic Party," said Faiz Shakir, a senior adviser to Sanders and a friend of Mamdani's. "Like Bernie, he's not saying I'm doing this out of spite against you, dear leadership. He's saying, I am supporting these candidates who have a better vision, and I am prepared to lose if it has to be the case." The Mamdani slate Establishment Democrats are not pleased with the mayor's decisions. Mamdani endorsed political organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier over Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in New York's 13th District, which includes parts of upper Manhattan and the Bronx. He is also backing former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is running against incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in New York's 10th District. And in New York's 7th, he's supporting democratic socialist state Assembly Member Claire Valdez against outgoing Rep. Nydia Velazquez's handpicked successor. The Mamdani slate, in addition to several state Assembly candidates, will be featured at Thursday's rally. READ MORE: The price tag of overcoming a Trump endorsement, and other takeaways from Tuesday's primaries Valdez says the election is about advancing the political movement Mamdani ignited on his way to City Hall. "Right now there's really m