Live Updates: Mamdani-backed candidates Lander, Valdez win NY primaries

New Yorkers are heading to the polls in a Primary Day that could reshape the state's representation in Washington. It also marks the first major test of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's political influence and his ability to mobilize voters. He endorsed three left-of-center candidates: Claire Valdez in the 7th Congressional District, Brad Lander in the 10th Congressional District, and Darializa Avila Chevalier in the 13th Congressional District. It's a high-stakes bet for Mamdani because his decision to back the three candidates and their attempt to defeat sitting Congressmen Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat crossed a lot of high-powered Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez. "I think what we see in these candidacies is a referendum on whether the kind of leadership we have is the one that is serving the people of the city," Mamdani said. "It's not just a question of electing more Democrats, it's a question of electing better Democrats." With voter turnout a concern, the mayor was trying to use his own popularity to get the people who supported his mayoral campaign to go to the polls, which is why, experts say, he has been attacking AIPAC , a pro-Israel lobbying group. Pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel sentiment was a motivating factor in Mamdani's election victory. …