National Progressives Back Socialist Candidate in NYC Congressional Race Amid Divisive Endorsements from Justice Democrats.
The National Progressive Party, a faction of the Democratic Party, is backing socialist candidate Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a heated congressional race for New York's 7th District. The support from the National Progressives comes as several prominent figures within the party have endorsed Reynoso.
Valdez, a State Assembly member and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has been backed by influential figures such as Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Council Members Sandy Nurse and Lincoln Restler. Her campaign promises to reject corporate PAC money and center her efforts on labor organizing, a strategy that aligns with Justice Democrats.
Justice Democrats, known for backing progressive candidates in high-profile races, have endorsed Valdez in an effort to expand its influence within the Democratic Party's left flank. The group's endorsement signals its commitment to supporting candidates who can deliver on working-class issues and challenge the party's more moderate elements.
Reynoso, a longtime ally of retiring Representative Nydia VelΓ‘zquez, has also been endorsed by prominent progressive figures, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani. However, his campaign lacks the high-profile backing that Valdez enjoys from Justice Democrats.
The 7th District encompasses some of the city's most left-leaning neighborhoods in North Brooklyn and Queens. The primary is expected to be closely contested, with both candidates vying for the support of socially conscious voters.
As the election approaches, tensions between National Progressives and other factions within the party are likely to escalate, reflecting deeper divisions over the role of progressive politics and the relationship with corporate interests.
The National Progressive Party, a faction of the Democratic Party, is backing socialist candidate Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a heated congressional race for New York's 7th District. The support from the National Progressives comes as several prominent figures within the party have endorsed Reynoso.
Valdez, a State Assembly member and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has been backed by influential figures such as Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Council Members Sandy Nurse and Lincoln Restler. Her campaign promises to reject corporate PAC money and center her efforts on labor organizing, a strategy that aligns with Justice Democrats.
Justice Democrats, known for backing progressive candidates in high-profile races, have endorsed Valdez in an effort to expand its influence within the Democratic Party's left flank. The group's endorsement signals its commitment to supporting candidates who can deliver on working-class issues and challenge the party's more moderate elements.
Reynoso, a longtime ally of retiring Representative Nydia VelΓ‘zquez, has also been endorsed by prominent progressive figures, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani. However, his campaign lacks the high-profile backing that Valdez enjoys from Justice Democrats.
The 7th District encompasses some of the city's most left-leaning neighborhoods in North Brooklyn and Queens. The primary is expected to be closely contested, with both candidates vying for the support of socially conscious voters.
As the election approaches, tensions between National Progressives and other factions within the party are likely to escalate, reflecting deeper divisions over the role of progressive politics and the relationship with corporate interests.