New York City’s Democratic primary races are exposing deep divides between establishment figures and an emboldened left wing, even as the city remains firmly Democratic. High-profile contests across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens have become testing grounds for the party’s direction, with competing visions for messaging, ideology, and loyalty shaping the campaigns ahead of the June primaries.

In Manhattan, the retirement of Representative Jerrold Nadler has opened a rare opportunity, drawing candidates with starkly different styles and priorities. Jack Schlossberg is pitching himself as a social media savvy messenger for younger voters, while Micah Lasher is running as a policy-focused progressive. Alex Bores has centered his bid on regulating artificial intelligence, attracting heavy spending from rival political action committees, and George Conway is campaigning primarily on opposition to President Donald Trump.

Elsewhere, Representative Daniel Goldman faces a strong challenge from Brad Lander amid shifting local attitudes toward Israel and frustration with establishment figures. In Brooklyn and Queens, allies of Mayor Zohran Mamdani are backing State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez in an open seat, hoping to expand democratic socialist representation, while more traditional progressive leaders support Antonio Reynoso. Several other incumbents across the city are also confronting challengers, underscoring a broader anti-incumbent mood within the party.