The Scoop
The progressive group Justice Democrats is endorsing Claire Valdez, a New York state assemblywoman and former union organizer, to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., according to an announcement shared with Semafor.
The Democratic primary for the deep-blue seat also includes Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, himself an avowed progressive — but the 36-year-old Valdez is more closely allied with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a fellow democratic socialist. She was the sole elected official to join Mamdani’s initial campaign launch; if she prevails in the primary, Valdez would likely operate as his closest ally in Congress as Democrats search for a way forward after their 2024 defeats.
“Claire’s deep roots in the labor movement are desperately needed in a Congress and Democratic Party overrun by corporate interests and billionaire greed,” Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas said in a statement.
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Valdez is also endorsed by the United Auto Workers union, of which she’s a former member, and its president, Shawn Fain. Other progressive groups have endorsed Reynoso, pointing to a potential schism on the left in the primary.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., another prominent Mamdani ally who represents a nearby congressional district, has yet to endorse in the race.