The 2026 New York primaries are underway, with voters focusing on several competitive congressional races in deep-blue Democratic districts. The outcomes of these races will likely determine who heads to Washington. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also been closely watching these races, having endorsed candidates in three of them.
In addition to New York, voters in Maryland and Utah are also heading to the polls today. The political landscape is dynamic, with significant endorsements and strategic maneuvers shaping the races.
Competitive Congressional Races in New York
In New York, the spotlight is on the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in a Manhattan district with the largest Jewish constituency in the country. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed three far-left, anti-Israel candidates running against Reps. Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
The race to replace former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in Maryland is also closely watched. State Del. Adrian Boafo, endorsed by the outgoing congressman and a strong ally of Israel, has emerged as the favorite. The United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s super PAC, has invested significantly in promoting Boafo, illustrating the strategic planning and organization behind his campaign.
International Diplomacy and Political Tensions
Israeli and Lebanese representatives are expected to begin multiday talks in Washington, continuing direct negotiations between the countries. This comes days after the U.S. and Iran established a ‘deconfliction cell’ to end military operations in Lebanon without Israel’s involvement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted Israel’s right to act against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon if necessary. The Israeli government fears that the U.S. is limiting its freedom of action through negotiations with Iran. On Tuesday morning, the IDF struck armed terrorists operating close to Israeli soldiers in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area in southern Lebanon.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is departing for a three-day trip to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to discuss issues including the memorandum of understanding with Iran and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Political Strategies and Endorsements
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s intervention in a state-level race in Manhattan could have significant repercussions. The mayor has inserted himself in the costly fight between Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay and lawyer Eli Northrup for the 69th Assembly District on the Upper West Side. This move has spurned a key Jewish ally, as rival left-of-center Jewish factions have lined up behind each candidate.
Mamdani has also doubled down on his rhetorical assault on AIPAC, following criticism from Jewish groups over his comments about the pro-Israel organization. This has further intensified the political dynamics in the region.
In Maryland, Rep. Steny Hoyer is staking his pro-Israel legacy on Adrian Boafo, a 32-year-old Maryland state delegate. Hoyer, 87, is using his connections to establishment party leaders and ties with pro-Israel groups to boost Boafo’s chances in a safely blue seat. The United Democracy Project has emerged as the biggest spender in the race, investing over $5.7 million to promote Boafo.
A UDP source, granted anonymity, stated that polling showed Boafo was not in the lead when Hoyer endorsed him in January. ‘It’s a super close race that could go either way,’ the source told Jewish Insider on Monday, stressing a high level of undecided primary voters. ‘Many candidates are in contention.’