Key Takeaways
- The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) plans to endorse up to seven Assembly candidates and two congressional candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
- The DSA is targeting several key seats, including Assembly Districts 34, 36, 38, 54, 56, 70, and 75, as well as the 7th and 13th Congressional Districts.
- The DSA is backing a range of candidates, including Aber Kawas, Diana Moreno, David Orkin, Christian Celeste Tate, Eon Huntley, Conrad Blackburn, and Darializa Avila Chevalier.
- The organization is also considering endorsing Claire Valdez for the 7th Congressional District seat.
- Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is expected to play a significant role in supporting DSA-backed candidates, particularly in the 7th Congressional District.
Introduction to the DSA’s Endorsement Process
The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is gearing up for a big election season, with plans to endorse up to seven Assembly candidates and two congressional candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. The DSA is a significant player in New York City politics, and its endorsements can make a big difference in the outcome of elections. The organization behaves less like a traditional progressive advocacy group and more like a party surrogate, recruiting its own candidates, staffing their campaigns, shaping their policy platforms, and organizing massive volunteer canvassing operations.
Assembly District 34: A Socialist Showdown
In Assembly District 34, the DSA has endorsed Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American organizer who has been an outspoken critic of Israel and an advocate for the civil rights of Muslim communities in New York. However, Kawas is facing a challenge from Brian Romero, a loyal DSA member who worked for both Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and DSA-backed state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez. Despite DSA’s endorsement of Kawas, Romero plans to continue running for Assembly, which could lead to a divisive primary.
Assembly District 36: A Three-Way Race
In Assembly District 36, the DSA has endorsed Diana Moreno, a former co-chair of Queens DSA, to succeed Zohran Mamdani, who is leaving to become mayor. Moreno is facing challenges from Rana Abdelhamid, a local Muslim community organizer, and Mary Jobaida, who previously ran for Assembly in a neighboring district. However, Moreno is the front-runner for this seat in the heart of "The People’s Republic of Astoria."
Assembly District 38: Challenging a Moderate Democrat
In Assembly District 38, the DSA is backing David Orkin, a staff attorney at Make the Road New York, to challenge Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, a moderate Democrat and frequent critic of the progressive left. While it’s not guaranteed that DSA will endorse Orkin, it seems likely, and he has already received overwhelming support from the organization’s Electoral Working Group.
Other Assembly Districts and Congressional Seats
The DSA is also targeting other Assembly districts, including the 54th, 56th, 70th, and 75th, as well as the 7th and 13th Congressional Districts. In the 7th Congressional District, the DSA is considering endorsing Claire Valdez, a former UAW organizer, to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who is not running for reelection. In the 13th Congressional District, the DSA is backing Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Harlem-based organizer, to challenge Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
The Role of Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is expected to play a significant role in supporting DSA-backed candidates, particularly in the 7th Congressional District. Mamdani has already endorsed several DSA candidates, including Kawas and Moreno, and is likely to campaign on their behalf. His influence could make a big difference in the outcome of these elections, and his endorsement could help to swing the balance in favor of DSA-backed candidates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DSA is gearing up for a big election season in New York City, with plans to endorse up to seven Assembly candidates and two congressional candidates. The organization is backing a range of candidates, from Aber Kawas in Assembly District 34 to Darializa Avila Chevalier in the 13th Congressional District. With the support of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, the DSA is poised to make a significant impact on the outcome of these elections, and its endorsements could help to shape the future of New York City politics.
