As is true in most years in deep-blue New York City’s midterm House races, most of the action takes place in the Democratic primary, set for June 23. This year’s congressional contests have been hot since September, when Rep. Jerry Nadler announced he wouldn’t seek reelection, setting the stage for a crowded primary. In late November, longtime Rep. Nydia Velázquez followed suit.
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But this year’s races are not just about a changing of the guard. They’re also a test of whether there will be significant coattails following New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory. Will his endorsement win elections? And will the Democratic Socialists of America – and its army of energized organizers, volunteers and followers – turn out again in strong numbers? It all leads to the question of what the future of the Democratic Party looks like and who will come out on top in New York City: the left or the far left?
There’s also the question of money. A handful of super PACs tied to AI companies, billionaires and other wealthy interests have been spending huge sums of money in the House races.
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Here are the races we’re watching in the city, organized loosely in order of spiciness. This story was first published April 27.
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