The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are aiming to significantly expand their presence in New York’s state Legislature by backing eight candidates in the upcoming primary elections with the goal of doubling their current representation to 16 seats. This election season features a number of challengers adopting progressive platforms, including proposals to decriminalize sex work and reduce prison sentences, positioning themselves against more moderate incumbents.
One notable race is in Harlem’s District 70, where Conrad Blackburn, a public defender, is challenging Assemblyman Jordan Wright, son of longtime Harlem Democratic leader Keith Wright. Blackburn has drawn attention for advocating alternatives to prison for serious offenders like rapists and murderers, suggesting treatment programs instead of incarceration. His stance reflects a broader push within the DSA to reform the criminal justice system, a departure from established political figures. In response, Assemblyman Wright and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a five-term incumbent who himself faces a DSA challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier, have formed a cross-endorsement coalition to counter the DSA’s influence.
In Brooklyn, Christian Celeste Tate and Eon Huntley are challenging incumbents Erik Dilan and Stefani Zinerman, respectively. Tate has expressed support for the decriminalization of sex work and criticized the current approach to incarceration for not enhancing community safety. Huntley similarly advocates reducing prison sentences and tackling mass incarceration. These challenges continue the trend seen when State Sen. Julia Salazar, a DSA member, unseated Martin Dilan, Erik’s father, in 2018, indicating ongoing divisions within Brooklyn’s Democratic ranks.
Queens also hosts significant contests, including David Orkin’s challenge to Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar in District 38. Orkin promotes a restorative approach to criminal justice over punitive measures. Rajkumar, considered a moderate, has ties to former Mayor Eric Adams. In the 12th Senate District, Palestinian activist Aber Kawas is vying to succeed retiring Sen. Michael Gianaris against Assemblyman Steven Raga, who is backed by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and major unions such as the United Federation of Teachers and 1199 SEIU.
Other seats of interest include District 36, where Assemblywoman Diana Moreno, who replaced now-Mayor Mamdani, seeks re-election with DSA support in an area covering Astoria and Long Island City. Tenant organizer Illapa Sairitupa is contesting the open District 65 seat on the Lower East Side with backing from Mamdani and the Working Families Party. Samantha Kattan is the DSA candidate aiming to succeed Assemblywoman Claire Valdez in District 37, which includes DSA strongholds such as Sunnyside and Ridgewood.
Several additional high-profile races highlight internal party tensions. Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas is challenging incumbent Sen. Jessica Ramos in District 13, a contest marked by past left-wing criticism of Ramos for endorsing Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral bid and opposing a casino project. Meanwhile, former Councilwoman Diana Ayala is contesting Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs in East Harlem’s District 68, and progressive Jibreel Jalloh is challenging more conservative Assemblywoman Jaime Williams in District 59. Williams has faced criticism for opposing a migrant shelter and endorsing a Republican mayoral candidate.
Overall, these primaries reflect a broader contest between progressive insurgents associated with the DSA and established moderate Democrats, encapsulating ongoing ideological debates over criminal justice, social policies, and political power within New York’s diverse legislative districts. Results from Tuesday’s primaries will indicate whether the DSA’s efforts to reshape the state Legislature will gain significant traction.