NPR News: 06-24-2026 2AM EDT

Giles Snyder· Host0:00

Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. New York City Mayor Zarin Mamdani put his popularity to the test in three congressional primary contests Tuesday and came up big. Bridget Bergen of member station WNYC reports from a watch party in Brooklyn, where Mamdani's endorsed candidate, Claire Valdez, won the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Congress member Nydia Velazquez.

Bridget Bergen0:27

At a warehouse turned nightclub in Bushwick, Brooklyn, members of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America danced, cheered, and pumped their fists, celebrating the victories of Claire Valdez and the entire congressional slate backed by Mamdani and the DSA. Supporters say these wins amount to an affirmation of Mamdani's agenda and the broader Democratic socialist movement, which is staunchly pro-Palestinian and focused on the needs of working people. For many supporters, their next focus is twenty twenty-eight. For NPR News, I'm Bridget Bergen in New York.

Giles Snyder· Host1:06

The biggest upset of the night came in New York's thirteenth district, according to an AP race call. Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly defeated incumbent Congressman Adriano Espaillat. The third candidate backed by Mamdani, Brad Lander, defeated Democratic incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman. Voters also decided primary contests in South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah.