Three congressional candidates endorsed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won Democratic primaries, including two challengers who defeated sitting House members. The sweep marked a major victory for the city’s democratic socialist movement and a setback for establishment Democrats.
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Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated two-term Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District. The race exposed party divisions over Israel, immigration and how Democrats should confront President Trump.
Primaries in four states will test the influence of Zohran Mamdani, Donald Trump and major outside groups. Key races include several New York House contests, South Carolina’s GOP governor runoff and open seats in Maryland and Utah.
Ed Gallrein, backed by Donald Trump and MAGA allies, defeats incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican primary. The costly race featured heavy spending from pro-Trump and pro-Israel groups.
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie faces a fierce primary challenge from Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, with the race drawing national attention and unprecedented spending. Massie remains defiant despite attacks from Trump and support for Gallrein from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Illinois Democratic primaries showcased Governor JB Pritzker’s political influence, particularly through his substantial financial support for Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, who won the U.S. Senate primary and could become the sixth Black woman in the Senate if victorious in the general election. Stratton’s campaign, backed by prominent endorsements and opposition to ICE, overcame strong fundraising and polling by her main rival, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, highlighting Pritzker’s sway in state politics ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid. Additionally, outside spending from pro-Israel, cryptocurrency, and AI groups totaled over $52 million across key races, reflecting the growing impact of specialized interest groups on primary outcomes.
Illinois Democratic primaries showcased Governor J.B. Pritzker’s political influence, particularly through his substantial financial and public support for Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, who won the U.S. Senate primary and is poised to become the sixth Black woman in the Senate. Outside spending from groups focused on issues like Israel, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence totaled over $52 million, highlighting the growing impact of specialized PACs in local races. Stratton’s victory not only strengthens Pritzker’s political standing in Illinois but also fuels speculation about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions.