A new challenge is brewing in New York’s 7th Congressional District. Assemblymember Claire Valdez, a close ally of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, setting the stage for a potentially contentious race.
Valdez frames her campaign as a direct response to the struggles of working people. She describes her path to politics as originating from low-wage jobs and the labor movement, promising to carry that perspective to Washington to confront what she identifies as the core issues facing the nation: concentrated wealth, extremist ideologies, and endless conflict.
A central tenet of Valdez’s platform is a call for the complete dismantling of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She argues that previous warnings about the current administration’s direction were dismissed as exaggeration, but now demand urgent attention.
Valdez doesn’t mince words, labeling ICE a “militarized terrorist organization” actively harming the country. This strong stance reflects a willingness to challenge established institutions and advocate for radical change.
Universal healthcare is another cornerstone of her vision. Valdez champions “Medicare for All,” proposing to fund it through increased taxes on billionaires and corporations, arguing they have unfairly benefited from a rigged system.
Beyond healthcare, Valdez views housing as a fundamental human right, not a speculative commodity. She intends to fight for policies guaranteeing safe and affordable housing for all New Yorkers, directly challenging the interests of landlords and real estate speculators.
The upcoming election was triggered by the decision of current Representative Nydia Velázquez to not seek re-election in 2026. This creates an open seat, immediately attracting ambitious contenders.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has already entered the race, announcing his primary bid last year. The stage is now set for a dynamic and potentially transformative primary battle within the Democratic party, with Valdez poised to offer a distinctly progressive vision for the district.
