Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier and Democratic candidate Claire Valdez were projected to win separate New York House seats on Tuesday, according to reports. The Hill said Avila Chevalier was projected to take the seat held by Adriano Espaillat, while Fox News reported that Valdez was projected to defeat Republican Melvin Rivera in New York’s 7th Congressional District.
Avila Chevalier defeated Espaillat in a summer primary, The Hill reported, after an endorsement from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Fox News said Valdez’s race was for the seat of retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez and described Rivera as a community activist. Al Jazeera reported that three progressive Democratic candidates in New York City were expected to win congressional races. Fox News described Valdez’s result as a gain for the Democratic Socialists of America.