Mamdani-backed Democrat Claire Valdez wins New York House seat

New York Assembly member Claire Valdez (D) is projected to win the state’s 7th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ .

The victory comes with little surprise, as Valdez consistently polled decisively ahead of her Republican challenger Melvin Rivera after winning the Democratic primary in June. She will replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D), who has held the seat in New York City since 2013.

Ahead of the primary, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) and the Democratic Socialists of America endorsed Valdez over her challenger, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso — who had Velázquez’s backing.

Democrats have held on to the majority-minority district , which encompasses portions of Brooklyn and Queens, for the past century. In 2024, the then-Democratic supermajority in the state Legislature redrew the Empire State’s congressional maps, giving their party a slight boost in the 7th District.

In her time as a State Assembly member, Valdez has championed affordability measures and “tax the rich” campaigns — drawing on her background as a union leader .

Her GOP opponent describes himself as a “community activist” of more than three decades, having focused his advocacy on housing issues and renter rights.