'Blue states will only get WORSE': Trump warns after Mamdani allies win New York primary

US President Donald Trump reacted sharply to a series of Democratic primary upsets in New York on Wednesday, using social media to attack New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the candidates he endorsed after three of them won congressional nominations in races that unseated two incumbents.

The results marked a major political victory for Mamdani, whose progressive coalition helped propel three allies to Democratic primary victories and bolstered his growing influence in the New York Democratic Party ahead of the November election.

Trump called the winners “communists”

Trump, who has often described Mamdani as a communist, responded with a series of posts on Truth Social.

“Lots of communists running in hard-failing Blue states. They seem to be running pretty well against each other,” Trump wrote. “The bad news is that history has conclusively shown that the oppressed states that will soon rule will ONLY GET WORSE. MAGA!”

In another post, he declared, “America the beautiful will NEVER be a communist country!!!”

Trump also sarcastically congratulated Mamdani on his primary victory.

“Mayor Mamdani pushed through 3 solid communists and received loud and universal applause from the Fake News Media. Congratulations Mr. Mayor!” he wrote

The president compared the New York results to his own political endorsements, declaring, “I went 16-0 last night, helped elect amazing American patriots, and the media won’t say a word.”

Lander defeats Goldman

One of the biggest surprises came in New York’s 10th Congressional District, where former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman.

The contest largely focused on the war in Gaza and progressive politics. Lander campaigned to Goldman’s left, calling for an end to US military aid to Israel, while Goldman received support from pro-Israel groups.

Trump celebrated Goldman’s defeatwrites: “Weak and pathetic Congressman Dan Goldman just lost, BIG! I guess people didn’t like that he was illegally targeting President TRUMP. Either way, this moron is finally GONE!”

Goldman served as lead counsel during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019.

Avila Chevalier deposed Espaillat

In New York’s 13th Congressional District, community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Rep. Adrian Espaillat.

Avila Chevalier, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has never held elected office before. Her campaign positioned her as an outsider challenging the Democratic establishment.

She has attracted national attention for her activism, including helping organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.

Avila Chevalier said after her victory: “Today we make it clear – the politics of the past ends today. We will no longer accept a politics that throws garbage at us and acts as if we should be grateful for it.”

Read also | Tucker Carlson says Trump believes the Democrat could win the White House in 2028

Valdez wins the open seat race

In New York’s 7th Congressional District, State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynos in the race to succeed outgoing Rep. Nydia Velázquez.

Valdez, another Mamdani-backed candidate aligned with Democratic Socialist politics, campaigned to strengthen unions, expand workers’ rights, protect immigrants and push a Green New Deal-style agenda.

Because both the 7th and 13th districts are heavily Democratic, Valdez and Avila Chevalier are expected to win in November and enter Congress next year.

Mamdani’s influence is growing

The victories were seen as a major test of Mamdani’s political strength less than a year after taking office as mayor.

Celebrating the results, Mamdani said the victory reflected the emergence of a wider political movement.

“A year ago it wasn’t the end of a political movement. It was the beginning,” he told his supporters.

At another victory event, he added: “We are showing that there is a new way for politics in our city and in our country.”

The primary results underscore the ongoing battle in the Democratic Party between establishment leaders and a growing progressive wing that has grown increasingly influential on issues such as housing affordability, immigration and the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Read also | New York Democratic Primary: Why Zohran Mamdani Is the Big Winner