Rama Duwaji, wife of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, expressed her support for Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, two candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, in the Democratic primary on Tuesday. She did not mention former City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is also running for Congress. Duwaji shared a photo on Instagram Stories with an 'I Voted' sticker, encouraging support for Valdez and Chevalier, who are contesting for New York’s 7th and 13th congressional districts, respectively.
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), who currently represents the 7th Congressional District, is retiring, while Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) seeks reelection in the 13th District. Lander is competing against Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) for the 10th Congressional District. Lander has received endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Mamdani, while Goldman is backed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other Democratic establishment figures.
The reason for Duwaji's lack of support for Lander on the day of the primary is unclear, but it may relate to differing views on Israel. Duwaji is known for her pro-Palestinian stance, while Lander identifies as a liberal Zionist. The outcomes of the congressional races that Mamdani's endorsed candidates are involved in will be determined after New York's polling locations close at 9 p.m. on Tuesday.