Background
Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist state Assembly member, won the open NY-7 seat on June 23, 2026, defeating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso despite opposition from the retiring incumbent and the Working Families Party.
How the money reached Claire
American Priorities PAC
$135,000
Independent Expenditure — Support · 2026
Part of coordinated $2M+ deployment backing all three Mamdani-endorsed candidates in June 23 primaries.
Justice Democrats PAC
$370,000
Independent Expenditure — Support · 2026
Justice Democrats received $50,000 from Mohammed Javed (largest single network donor).
Key Facts
- ▸DSA member — NY-7 victory party erupted in 'From the river to the sea' chants
- ▸Backed by Mamdani, AOC, Bernie Sanders
- ▸Won despite Working Families Party backing her opponent
- ▸American Priorities PAC is funded by Muslim Brotherhood-linked tech executives
- ▸All but certain to win November general in safe blue Brooklyn/Bronx district
- ▸Part of sweep that doubled DSA congressional representation in one night