On June 23 (Tuesday), the Democratic primary election once again saw the western Queens district, centered around Astoria, becoming a key stronghold for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Three Democratic Socialist candidates, supported by Mayor Mamdani, emerged victorious in the state assembly primaries, further solidifying the political landscape of the progressive left in Queens.
Since Mayor Mamdani took office in January, Diana Moreno took over the state assembly seat in the 36th district in a special election. In the Democratic primary, Moreno easily defeated her opponents Mary Jobaida and Kevin P. Coenen with over 78% of the vote, securing her nomination. At the election night party, she attributed her victory to the political momentum brought by Mamdani.
Another DSA candidate, Samantha Kattan, took a commanding lead in the race for the state assembly seat in the 37th district with nearly 67% of the votes, surpassing her opponents Pia Rahman and Melissa Orlando, successfully filling the seat left vacant by Claire Valdez, who is set to move to Congress.
Kattan stated that as the progressive forces continue to grow, there is a greater need to actively advocate for improving the quality of life for New Yorkers.
One of the most notable victories came from the state assembly 38th district. Immigrant and labor rights advocate David Orkin, endorsed by Mamdani, defeated incumbent state assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar with a roughly 18 percentage point lead.
During the election night celebration on Tuesday, Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), credited the organization’s volunteer team for the victories, stating, “The incumbent officials simply cannot keep up.”
Assuming all primary winners secure victories in the November general election, the Democratic Socialists of America will have at least 15 supported members in the state senate and assembly starting next year.
The only race that might still undergo a recount is in the state assembly 30th district. Former New York City detective Shamsul Haque and former Congressman Joseph Crowley’s nephew Patrick Martinez are neck and neck in votes, with the final outcome still pending confirmation.
The results of this primary election indicate that with Mamdani’s election as mayor continuing to expand political influence, the grassroots mobilization and electoral strength of the Democratic Socialists in the western Queens district is further strengthening, bringing new changes to the future political landscape of the New York State Assembly and municipal government.