But across New York’s congressional delegation, one colleague was not surprised at all: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had already been told.
Mamdani informed Ocasio-Cortez of his plans before endorsing democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, who went on to defeat the five-term incumbent and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in a stunning upset, according to two people with knowledge of the private conversations. The heads-up was part of a broader pattern of communication in which Mamdani alerted Ocasio-Cortez ahead of time about endorsements he intended to make in the city’s June 23 congressional primaries, the sources said.
The coordination between two of New York’s most prominent progressive figures reveals a more tightly woven alliance than previously understood. Mamdani also briefed Ocasio-Cortez before endorsing Brad Lander’s successful campaign against Representative Dan Goldman, another incumbent who lost his seat in the primary contests. Lander, like Avila Chevalier, ran on a democratic socialist platform that aligned closely with the political currents both Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez represent.
For Espaillat, the betrayal was particularly sharp. The mayor had privately told the congressman months earlier that he would support his reelection, and the two men even shook hands on the agreement, according to people familiar with the exchange. When Mamdani instead threw his weight behind Avila Chevalier, Espaillat was caught off guard, having believed their personal understanding would hold.
A Quiet Channel of Influence
The communication between Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez did not stop at the Avila Chevalier endorsement. The mayor kept the congresswoman apprised of his broader endorsement strategy across multiple races, ensuring she was never caught unaware by his public announcements. The two people with knowledge of the discussions spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private exchanges, which were not previously reported.
The arrangement suggests a deliberate effort by Mamdani to maintain alignment with Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most influential progressive voices in Congress, as he navigated a primary season that reshaped New York’s congressional delegation. By giving her advance notice, Mamdani effectively secured a tacit signal of support or at least avoided public conflict with a powerful ally whose endorsement could sway progressive voters.
Ocasio-Cortez’s own endorsement decisions during the same primary cycle have drawn scrutiny, as she backed candidates who challenged sitting Democratic incumbents. Her office did not respond to requests for comment on the extent of her coordination with Mamdani. The mayor’s campaign also declined to discuss the specifics of their conversations, though aides emphasized that Mamdani makes endorsement decisions independently based on his assessment of each candidate’s qualifications and alignment with his priorities.
The coordinated endorsements underscore the growing influence of the democratic socialist wing within New York City politics, a faction that has increasingly challenged established Democratic figures. With Espaillat and Goldman both unseated, the primary results signal a shift in the city’s congressional representation that Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez helped orchestrate from behind the scenes.
