ICYMI: Socialist Mayor Mamdani Is Calling the Shots in NY-17
In case you missed it, socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is calling the shots in the NY-17 Democrat primary.
Peter Chatzky is now calling to “abolish ICE,” Beth Davidson is pushing for sanctuary policies, and Cait Conley is praising Mamdani’s “new leadership.”
Just like that, these Democrats have embraced the socialist’s radical agenda that is sure to be toxic in the district.
“Out of touch Democrats Peter Chatzky, Cait Conley, and Beth Davidson are racing to embrace socialist Zohran Mamdani, and their strategy is sure to cost them come November.” – NRCC Spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole
Read the full story here or see excerpts below:
Mamdani’s Socialist Influence Weighs On Dems In One Of New York’s Most Competitive Districts
Daily Wire
Tim Pearce
February 6, 2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s electoral success last year is producing downstream effects on Democrats in the Empire State.
New York’s 17th District has a crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, who is fighting for a third term in one of the most competitive districts in the country. In order to survive a primary, Democratic candidates are struggling to balance between the influence Mamdani and his socialist politics have had on the Democratic Party and the moderate appetites of general election voters.
[…]
The self-funded Chatzky, who claims to be a “pragmatic progressive,” said in a video last month that “it is time to abolish ICE.” His website also touts his support for “universal health insurance” and “universal pre-K.” His campaign site additionally contains a nod to the progressive values of “Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity.”
On all those issues and more, Chatzky’s platform overlaps with Mamdani. The New York City mayor’s endorsement has come up as somewhat of a litmus test for NY-17 Democrats, with none of them outright rejecting his potential support. In a sign of Mamdani’s direct influence on New York politics, Chatzky has also said that he would “probably” accept an endorsement from Mamdani after previously dodging questions related to the self-described “Democratic socialist.”
[…]
Davidson, in her position as a legislator, is attempting to make Rockland County a sanctuary region that would offer some amount of protection for illegal aliens. Davidson is pushing a piece of legislation that she calls the “Our Safety and Dignity for All Act,” which would restrict how local law enforcement and other government workers cooperate with federal immigration officers.
[…]
She also gave a nod to Mamdani in a recent podcast episode, highlighting the New York City mayor’s focus on “affordability” during his mayoral campaign as a central focus for her race as well.
[…]
“I respect what I believe Mamdani represents to so many people here in New York City, which is new leadership, which is young energy that isn’t afraid to tackle hard problems,” said Conley in an interview on PIX11.
In the same interview, she appeared to struggle to answer a question on whether ICE should be defunded. When pressed, Conley said “abuses should be abolished” and ICE leadership held accountable. The Democratic candidate insisted that the focus on ICE is misplaced and that the real issue is executive branch accountability. She did not condemn calls within her party to abolish the agency.