DSA Targets Key NYC Seats for 2026 Election
The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is preparing for the 2026 elections by focusing on key assembly and congressional seats. The organization plans to endorse up to seven assembly candidates and two congressional candidates. Operating more like a political party, DSA recruits candidates, organizes campaigns, and conducts volunteer canvassing.
Key DSA Targets for the 2026 Elections
DSA’s strategy prioritizes careful endorsements after thorough deliberation. They aim to avoid overstretching their resources while readying a full slate of candidates. Key assembly districts and their targeted DSA candidates include the following:
Assembly District 34
- DSA Candidate: Aber Kawas
- Incumbent: Jennifer González-Rojas (moving to state Senate)
- Rivals: Brian Romero
The DSA’s Queens branch supports Kawas, a Palestinian American organizer, despite Romero’s ties to the district. Kawas is known for her advocacy on civil rights issues.
Assembly District 36
- DSA Candidate: Diana Moreno
- Incumbent: Zohran Mamdani (stepping down for mayor)
- Rivals: Rana Abdelhamid and Mary Jobaida
Moreno, a former co-chair of Queens DSA, received the official endorsement. She has connections with immigrant advocacy groups and is seen as the front-runner.
Assembly District 38
- DSA Candidate: David Orkin
- Incumbent: Jenifer Rajkumar
Orkin, an attorney at Make the Road New York, may receive DSA’s endorsement after garnering significant support in candidate forums.
Assembly District 54
- DSA Candidate: Christian Celeste Tate
- Incumbent: Erik Dilan
Tate, an anti-poverty activist, aims to challenge Dilan, who has successfully defended his seat against DSA candidates in the past.
Assembly District 56
- DSA Candidate: Eon Huntley
- Incumbent: Stefani Zinerman
Huntley, who lost to Zinerman in 2024, is back and has DSA’s support. His campaign leverages momentum from Mamdani’s recent election.
Assembly District 70
- DSA Candidate: Conrad Blackburn
- Incumbent: Jordan Wright
Blackburn is pushing for DSA’s endorsement as he challenges the younger Wright, who comes from a politically influential family.
Assembly District 75
- DSA Candidate: Danny Valdes
- Incumbent: Tony Simone
Valdes is ready to step in if Simone vacates the seat to pursue a Senate run. His campaign holds conditional support from DSA.
Congressional Races
7th Congressional District
- DSA Candidates: Claire Valdez or Tiffany Cabán
- Incumbent: Nydia Velázquez (not seeking reelection)
Valdez has strong ties to progressive leaders and is likely to receive DSA’s endorsement as she campaigns for the open seat.
13th Congressional District
- DSA Candidate: Darializa Avila Chevalier
- Incumbent: Adriano Espaillat
Chevalier is challenging Espaillat, who has been a significant figure in Upper Manhattan politics. DSA is considering endorsing her to provide a left alternative.
Conclusion
As the DSA prepares for the 2026 elections, their strategy emphasizes targeted endorsements in key districts. The organization is focusing on candidates who align with their progressive values and who can effectively challenge incumbents. This approach reflects DSA’s commitment to building a stronger leftist presence within New York’s political landscape.
