New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Sen. Bernie Sanders rallied in Brooklyn to support a slate of progressive candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
The rally, titled “Our Year, Our Team,” took place at Kings Theatre in Flatbush and was designed to boost left-wing candidates ahead of New York’s June 23 Democratic primaries.
Mamdani and Sanders framed the event as part of a broader political movement aimed at changing the Democratic Party from within. They argued that working-class voters need leaders who will fight corporate power, expand public services and challenge the influence of wealthy donors.
The rally supported three major progressive candidates: Brad Lander in New York’s 10th Congressional District, Claire Valdez in the 7th District and Darializa Avila Chevalier in the 13th District.
Mamdani told supporters that New York needs leaders across the city who are willing to fight for bold policies, not simply maintain the political status quo. His endorsements signal an effort to expand the influence of democratic socialists beyond City Hall and into Congress.
Sanders also spoke in support of the candidates, saying voters across the country are frustrated with an economic system that benefits billionaires and powerful corporations while working families struggle with housing, health care and wages.
The event featured a high-energy crowd, celebrity appearances and performances, showing that the city’s progressive movement remains highly organized and motivated.
However, the rally also highlights a growing fight inside the Democratic Party. Establishment Democrats are backing incumbents and more traditional candidates, while Mamdani, Sanders and DSA-aligned groups are pushing insurgent campaigns from the left.
Critics argue that the DSA slate is too radical and could make Democrats vulnerable to Republican attacks. Supporters say the movement is giving voters a real alternative and forcing the party to focus on affordability, housing, labor rights and public services.
The June 23 primaries will be a major test of Mamdani’s political influence and the strength of democratic socialist organizing in New York City.
If the DSA-backed candidates win, it could mark another major shift in New York politics. If they lose, it may show that Mamdani’s movement still faces limits outside his own mayoral coalition.
Either way, the rally made clear that the battle over the future of the Democratic Party is now playing out in New York’s congressional races.
