As the midterm elections approach this year, the races in New York’s 7th and 10th congressional districts have garnered much attention. These districts are considered a crucial battleground within the Democratic Party, reflecting the showdown between the left-wing progressives advocating for reform within the system and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) camp advocating for a more radical reshaping of the political structure.
Yesterday, on January 19th, the office of Congressman Dan Goldman of New York’s 10th District announced that he has received the endorsement of Marilyn Strickland, the chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (ASPIRE PAC) and a Congresswoman representing Washington’s 10th District. In her statement, Strickland highlighted Goldman as a strong advocate for the Asian American community. As the sole congressman representing both Chinatowns in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Goldman and his team have been providing direct service to New York’s diverse Asian communities, consistently speaking out against anti-Asian rhetoric and defending community interests.
Goldman responded by stating that the 10th District of New York possesses a thriving yet long-neglected Asian community. Since taking office, he has committed to improving the lack of resources and will continue to push for stronger political representation and public services for the Asian community with the support of ASPIRE PAC.
Behind the election, analysts point out that the internal divisions within the Democratic Party are becoming increasingly evident. In the leftist political landscape of New York, the Democratic Socialists of America caucus are seen as the “disruptors,” advocating for a more radical reshaping of the system, contrasting with the progressives who advocate for gradual policy adjustments within the party. With the recent victory of Mayor Mamdani, the influence of the DSA camp has grown, actively positioning themselves in various congressional and local elections.
In New York’s 7th District, veteran Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, who has announced her retirement, endorsed the current Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso, to vie for her soon-to-be vacant seat on the 15th. She described Reynoso as having progressive ideas and grassroots background, capable of representing the district primarily composed of Spanish-speaking, immigrant, and Puerto Rican communities, emphasizing passing the political legacy onto him with confidence.
However, Mayor Mamdani chose to support Claire Valdez, a state assemblywoman belonging to the DSA camp, turning this election into a direct confrontation between the progressives and disruptors. Velázquez, in an interview with Western media, bluntly stated that the Mayor’s intervention in multiple races might create friction among the political groups he needs to cooperate with for governance, urging a return to the focus on governance itself.
In the 10th District, Goldman is also facing internal challenges within the party. Mayor Mamdani has openly endorsed former City Comptroller Brad Lander to challenge Goldman. Their political connections can be traced back to the mayoral campaign, where Mamdani faced accusations of being involved in controversies related to being “anti-Semitic.” As a Jewish political figure, Lander chose to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, publicly endorsing him to help dispel related doubts, and solidify support from the progressive and left-wing voters within the Democratic Party.