Overview
- Queens Assemblymember Claire Valdez formally entered the race to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez in New York’s 7th Congressional District.
- Her campaign is being staffed and advised by Zohran Mamdani’s close allies Morris Katz and Andrew Epstein, signaling the mayor’s network investing in the contest.
- Valdez, a DSA member and former UAW Local 2110 organizer, is running on a labor-first agenda centered on Union for All, Housing for All and Medicaid for All.
- She pledged to refuse corporate PAC money and rely on small donors, while Reynoso has notched early endorsements from several City Council members.
- DSA endorsement deliberations are underway, with Valdez set to appear at a Jan. 14 forum, and local reports say Velázquez is expected to back Reynoso.