Gaza shifts US politics as pro-Israel lobby suffers setback in New York primaries

New York City’s Democratic primary elections have highlighted a growing shift in attitudes towards Israel among Democratic voters, after three progressive candidates secured notable victories that were seen as a blow to the traditional party establishment and the political influence of pro-Israel groups, particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Brad Lander won in the 10th District, Claire Valdez in the 7th District, and Darializa Avila Chevalier in the 13th District, putting them on a near-certain path to reaching Congress in the November elections. Lander and Avila Chevalier also succeeded in unseating incumbent members of the House of Representatives.

Observers said the war in Gaza and US support for Israel played a key role in several of the races, particularly in the 10th District, where Lander secured a landslide victory with around two-thirds of the vote, defeating Representative Dan Goldman.

Democratic polling expert Adam Carlson said the main difference between the two candidates was their stance on Israel, saying Goldman had moved away from the Democratic base because of his pro-Israel stance and ties to AIPAC.