![Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (R) hosted a major "Get Out the Vote (GOTV)" rally at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn in New York City, United States on June 18, 2026. [Selçuk Acar - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AA-20260619-41717850-41717844-SANDERS_AND_MAMDANI_HOSTED_AN_ELECTION_RALLY_IN_NEW_YORK_CITY-1-1.jpg)
New York City’s Democratic primary elections have highlighted a growing shift in attitudes towards Israel among Democratic voters, after three progressive candidates secured notable victories that were seen as a blow to the traditional party establishment and the political influence of pro-Israel groups, particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Brad Lander won in the 10th District, Claire Valdez in the 7th District, and Darializa Avila Chevalier in the 13th District, putting them on a near-certain path to reaching Congress in the November elections. Lander and Avila Chevalier also succeeded in unseating incumbent members of the House of Representatives. Observers said the war in Gaza and US support for Israel played a key role in several of the races, […]