Democratic socialist Mamdani ally mounts bid for US House of Representatives
Assemblymember Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist and ally of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York's 7th District, following Rep. Nydia Velázquez's decision not to seek re-election. Valdez emphasizes her background as a union organizer and her commitment to advocating for 'Medicare for All' and the abolition of ICE, which she describes as a destructive entity. Her campaign focuses on addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring affordable housing, positioning her as a strong progressive voice in the upcoming Democratic primary scheduled for June. The primary will see her compete against other notable candidates, like Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
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Claire Valdez's campaign platform includes strong support for Medicare for All, which she claims would be financed through taxes on billionaires and corporations that have benefited from an inequitable system.
She has characterized the current administration's policies as fascist, asserting that previous critiques of the administration were dismissed as hyperbolic.
Valdez's commitment to housing reform emphasizes that housing should be treated as a human right, opposing the current trend where Congress favors landlords over working-class interests.
The Democratic primary in June 2026 will be competitive, with Valdez running against other candidates, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who announced his candidacy last year.
Valdez’s ally, Zohran Mamdani, has garnered attention for his progressive stance as the Mayor of New York City, which may influence the primary dynamics.
The seat Valdez seeks is currently held by Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who has represented the district since 2013 and is stepping down, creating an opportunity for new candidates.