Republicans React to DSA Sweep in New York Primaries with Calls for Political Action

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

Candidates supported by Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America won several Democratic primaries in New York, sparking strong criticism from Republican leaders who warn of a socialist shift. These DSA-backed nominees will face Republican challengers in November in heavily Democratic districts, making the general election a crucial test of the progressive movement’s staying power.

Republican leaders have voiced strong concerns following the success of candidates backed by Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York’s recent Democratic primaries. The primary victories, which took place Tuesday, have intensified worries within the GOP about the growing influence of the DSA within the state’s Democratic Party.

Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive and a Republican contender for governor, criticized the Democratic Party’s direction and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership, describing the primary outcomes as "a takeover" by socialist-leaning forces. Blakeman urged moderate Democrats to align with Republicans to counter what he described as the rise of “socialist, anti-American communists” in New York state politics. He claimed that many Democrats now see his potential governorship as the only way to restore what he called “normalcy” and reclaim the party from the left-leaning faction.

The three DSA-supported candidates who won Democratic nominations for U.S. House seats must now face Republican opponents in the November general election. These races, taking place in heavily Democratic districts, are anticipated to be challenging for Republicans.

In New York’s 7th Congressional District, Republican Melvin Rivera will run against DSA-backed Assemblywoman Claire Valdez. Rivera, a Brooklyn native and longtime community activist and tenant organizer, initially pursued a write-in campaign in the Democratic primary before receiving endorsements from GOP clubs. His background centers on tenant organizing, and he seeks to offer an alternative to the progressive incumbent.

Jennifer Moore, a Brooklyn GOP operative, is the Republican candidate for the 10th Congressional District. She is contesting the seat now held by Brad Lander, who unseated incumbent Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary. Moore characterized the primary results as a “political earthquake” and is focusing her campaign on opposing what she calls Lander’s “radical ideology,” aiming to attract voters across party lines.

In the 13th Congressional District, Republican Jomo M. Williams will challenge DSA-backed Darializa Avila Chevalier. Williams has a history of political involvement in New York City, including a 2021 campaign for City Council on the Black Lives Matter Party line. Despite past affiliations, Williams has expressed support for “law and order” and rejected calls to defund the police.

While the DSA’s primary victories underscore their expanding influence within New York City’s Democratic base, Republicans are rallying to present alternatives ahead of the general election. The November races will serve as a key test of whether the DSA-backed candidates can maintain their momentum in these traditionally Democratic strongholds.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.