Challengers Take on N.Y. House Democrats, Targeting Their Ties to Israel

[RandySF]

Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York’s mayoral election this month may have scrambled what had been a clear political imperative for candidates in the city: the need to support Israel.

In a number of congressional races across New York City, challengers are betting that the success of Mr. Mamdani — a vigorous critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians — portends a potential vulnerability for pro-Israel incumbents.

Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat whose district includes Upper Manhattan and portions of the Bronx, is facing a primary challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier, who helped lead protests against the Israel-Hamas war at Columbia University and has criticized Mr. Espaillat for supporting the sale of weapons to Israel and receiving donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Representative Daniel Goldman, a Jewish Democrat representing parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, seems headed to a primary battle, too. Councilwoman Alexa Avilés, a harsh critic of Israel, and the city comptroller, Brad Lander, who has attacked the Netanyahu government, have both signaled interest in running for his seat.




https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/nyregion/israel-congress-mamdani-challengers.html

[anciano]

1. All members of the House and Senate

ideally should have primary opponents each time they are up for reelection and also be subject to term limits. Congressional service should be a "public service", not a career.

[leftstreet]

3. +1

They seem to think they're Dukes and Duchesses at this point

[Bettie]

4. A lot of them make a whole lot of

money through stock trading while they are in office, since they have inside information.

Over half of the current congress are millionaires.

Of course, I'm sure that we'll be told very soon that being a millionaire is common these days. Not for anyone I've ever known, but hey, I'm just an ordinary person, not wealthy at all.

[leftstreet]

2. DURec