Progressive voices set to join Congress after midterm elections

Darializa Avila Chevalier is projected to represent New York’s 13th congressional district, encompassing Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. Her victory came as an upset against Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairman Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., amid a broader anti-incumbent sentiment. Chevalier, born in Florida to Dominican immigrant parents and a Columbia University alumna, has already faced criticism for past social media posts and has withheld support from Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker, citing the need for commitments on progressive policies.

Claire Valdez, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), also secured a primary victory in New York, defeating a Democrat backed by retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y. She is now poised to represent New York’s 7th congressional district, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Valdez, currently a New York State Assembly member, touts her dual citizenship with the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Nation. Like Chevalier, she has not publicly endorsed Jeffries for Speaker.

Donavan McKinney, in Michigan’s 13th congressional district, is another newcomer expected to join Congress after defeating Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., in the primaries. McKinney, a DSA member endorsed by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., aims to implement policies such as Medicare for All and universal childcare. His campaign highlighted his opponent’s ties to industries he opposes.

Melat Kiros, also a DSA member and former attorney, has ousted longtime Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., in Colorado’s 1st congressional district. Kiros, born in Ethiopia, has drawn controversy for her stance on Israel, which includes opposition to its existence as a Jewish state. She also will not commit to supporting Jeffries for speaker.

Chris Rabb, a democratic socialist, is set to represent Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district. His platform calls for dismantling the military industrial complex and implementing a universal basic income. He previously criticized establishment Democrats for being out of touch with voters.

Brad Lander, formerly a DSA member who left the organization over its response to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, is projected to represent New York’s 10th congressional district. His campaign, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was a focal point for ideological divisions within the state’s Democratic party. Lander has expressed support for Jeffries for Speaker, unlike some of his far-left colleagues.