NY-07: Mamdani endorsement of Claire Valdez for Congress puts him at odds with other progressives [View all]

Mayor Mamdani is throwing his weight behind Claire Valdez, a current assembly member now running for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez.

His support of Valdez, which was expected, puts him at odds with other progressive allies who’ve voiced support for Antonio Reynoso, the current Brooklyn borough president who is also running for the seat.

“I’m proud to stand behind this vision and to stand behind Claire, because I need a partner like her in Washington to fight for a city that people can afford in a democracy that meets the needs of working people,” Mamdani said at the Bushwick endorsement announcement.

Mamdani emphasized Valdez’s roots in the labor movement. Valdez, a former United Auto Workers organizer, also received the endorsement of the union on Friday.



https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/01/09/mamdani-endorsement-of-claire-valdez-for-congress-puts-him-at-odds-with-other-progressives/