New York primaries expose Democratic divide over Israel

US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries congratulated four winners of New York's Democratic congressional primaries, including two candidates who have declined to support him as House speaker if Democrats regain control of the chamber.

The races highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and Palestine.

Victors Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, both aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated incumbents backed by Jeffries.

Pro-Palestine advocates celebrated the results as evidence of growing support for candidates willing to break with the party establishment on issues related to Israel and Gaza.

"Tonight there was a pro-Palestine sweep of New York City," said Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, while Jeffries called for Democrats to address affordability concerns and "crush far-right extremism."

Last year, he said that “the starvation and death of Palestinian children and civilians in an ongoing war zone is unacceptable”.

Congratulations to our newest members of the NYC congressional delegation.

From public servants to union organizers to community activists, the path is different but the work is the same.

We must decisively address the affordability crisis and crush far-right extremism! pic.twitter.com/f4XC6dpX7q

— Hakeem Jeffries (@hakeemjeffries) June 27, 2026