US President Donald Trump lashed out at the growing influence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani after a trio of progressive candidates backed by the democratic socialist leader scored major victories in New York’s Democratic congressional primaries.Taking to Truth Social, Trump mocked the results while accusing the media of ignoring his own political successes. “Mayor Mamdani pulled through 3 solid Communists, and has received loud and universal applause from the Fake News Media. Congratulations Mr. Mayor! I went 16-0 last night, helping to elect wonderful American Patriots, and the Media doesn’t say a word. Over the last two years, my endorsement has netted 259 Primary WINS, and almost no losses, with Zero media attention!!! FAKE NEWS. President DJT.”The victories marked another significant moment for Mamdani, whose political influence has grown rapidly since his own breakthrough rise in New York politics. His endorsed candidates defeated establishment-backed rivals, including two sitting members of Congress, strengthening the position of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party and raising concerns among moderates about the direction of the party.Trump responded with a broader warning about the rise of left-wing candidates. “Many Communists running in badly failing Blue States,” he wrote. “The votes seem to have them doing quite well against each other. The bad news is that history has conclusively shown that the downtrodden States that they will soon be running will ONLY GET WORSE.” In another post, he declared: “America the Beautiful will NEVER be a Communist Country!!!”
Mamdani-backed candidates sweep key races
The biggest winner on the night was arguably Mamdani himself.Three candidates backed by the mayor emerged victorious. Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the race to replace retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez. Meanwhile, political newcomer Darializa Avila Chevalier unseated Representative Adriano Espaillat, while former city comptroller Brad Lander defeated Representative Dan Goldman.The victories are expected to translate into seats in Congress given the heavily Democratic nature of their districts.Speaking at a victory event, Mamdani portrayed the results as evidence that his movement is expanding rather than fading.“We are showing that last June, a year ago tomorrow, was not an anomaly,” he said. “It was not the end. It was the beginning.”His supporters see the wins as proof that progressive populism remains a powerful force in New York politics. Critics, however, accuse him of targeting allies and deepening divisions within the Democratic coalition.
Democratic establishment faces a new power centre
The results underscored a growing struggle between the Democratic Party’s traditional leadership and a new generation of left-wing activists.Several veteran Democrats were left frustrated by Mamdani’s decision to back challengers against sitting members of Congress and establishment favourites. Some party figures argued that he had damaged relationships that could prove important for New York’s interests in Washington.Velázquez, who had supported Mamdani during his own rise, expressed disappointment over his intervention in her succession race.“He made a strategic error of judgement not to see what it means to have relationships at the different levels of government. For a city that relies on federal funding and the state, you try to expand your tent, not diminish it because you’re going to need help from everyone,” she said.The victories also place pressure on House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose political network saw two incumbent allies defeated. At several victory celebrations, supporters openly framed the results as a challenge to the party establishment.
Trump claims success elsewhere
While attacking Mamdani’s allies, Trump also sought to draw attention to Republican successes.In South Carolina, Attorney General Alan Wilson won the Republican gubernatorial runoff after receiving Trump’s endorsement. The president had endorsed both Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette shortly before the contest, ensuring that his endorsement record would remain intact after setbacks in recent governor races in Iowa and Georgia.“Alan Wilson wins!” Trump wrote after the result. “Endorsed by President Trump!”