Anti-Israel Democrats Secure Easy House Victories in New York

Three Democratic candidates known for their critical stance toward Israel secured their positions in the United States House of Representatives for New York City districts on Tuesday. The Associated Press called the races for Brad Lander, Darializa Chevalier, and Claire Valdez shortly after polling stations closed across the city.

The outcomes were largely predictable as all three candidates ran in deep blue districts. They faced minimal resistance from their Republican opponents in the general election, following more competitive primary battles earlier in the year. With more than half of the ballots counted, each Democrat held a lead of approximately 70 points over their respective challengers.

All three winners gained the support of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during their June primary campaigns. Mamdani helped them defeat more moderate Democratic rivals. Chevalier and Valdez are members of the Democratic Socialists of America, a far-left organization that holds anti-Zionist views. Lander, a Jewish Democrat, identifies as a liberal Zionist but has frequently accused Israel of committing genocide. He was briefly detained by Israeli forces last month while participating in an olive harvest in the West Bank with an activist group.

Chevalier has adopted particularly hardline positions during her campaign. She attended a rally celebrating the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and declined to formally condemn Hamas during her bid for office. On election day, she cast her vote shortly after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would end military aid to Israel. Chevalier argued that stopping aid is insufficient and called for a full arms embargo, an end to US taxpayer funding for war crimes, and the Palestinian right of return.

The right of return refers to the demand that millions of Palestinians, claiming refugee status due to displacement during the 1948 war, be allowed to enter Israel. Critics argue that allowing this influx would end the state's status as a Jewish-majority nation. In a related victory, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leftist Democrat who is critical of Israel, also won an easy reelection in her New York City district.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was also projected to win reelection against Republican Bruce Blakeman by a wide margin. The Associated Press called the race soon after polls closed at 9 p.m. Hochul led by more than 20 points with over half the votes counted. As the incumbent in a state with a large Democratic majority, she was the heavy favorite. Hochul is a moderate who generally supports Israel and maintains close ties to Jewish communities, though some Jews have objected to her political alliance with Mayor Mamdani.

Blakeman attempted to leverage the Jewish vote by linking Hochul to anti-Zionist protests and Mamdani. In contrast, Hochul associated Blakeman with President Trump, who remains unpopular in New York. This victory marks Hochul's second term as governor, following her 2022 win over Lee Zeldin.

In New York's 17th District north of the city, incumbent Mike Lawler conceded defeat to moderate Democrat Cait Conley. Lawler, who has strong ties to Orthodox Jewish communities in the Hudson Valley, called Conley to concede the race. Conley led by about five points with 57 percent of votes counted. Both candidates are generally supportive of Israel, though they differ on issues such as settlements.

Other moderate Democrats who are supportive of Israel also secured victories in New York. Hakeem Jeffries, Ritchie Torres, Grace Meng, Micah Lasher, and Greg Meeks all won their seats in the city. Outside the city, George Latimer won reelection in a district north of New York, while Tom Suozzi led his opponent by 15 points.