Democratic socialist Claire Valdez launches NY‑07 House bid
New York Assemblymember and self-described democratic socialist Claire Valdez has launched a campaign for Congress in New York’s 7th District, seeking to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez in a June 2026 Democratic primary. An ally of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a former union organizer, Valdez is running on a platform that includes abolishing ICE, passing Medicare for All funded by higher taxes on billionaires and corporations, and treating housing as a human right, joining Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the race for the open seat.
📌 Key Facts
- Claire Valdez, a New York State Assemblymember and union organizer, announced on X that she is running for Congress in NY‑07.
- Valdez publicly backs abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling it a 'militarized terrorist organization,' and has labeled the current administration 'fascist.'
- Her campaign platform emphasizes Medicare for All funded by taxing billionaires and corporations and a federal guarantee of safe, affordable housing as a human right.
- She will run in the June 2026 Democratic primary to replace Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who is not seeking reelection, in a field that already includes Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
📊 Relevant Data
New York's 7th congressional district has a demographic composition of 36.5% White, 35.9% Hispanic, 12.8% Asian, 9.7% Black, 3.4% two or more races, and 1.8% other residents, based on 2020 Census data.
New York's 7th congressional district — Wikipedia
In New York State, men account for 89% of ICE arrests but make up 50% of the immigrant population, and nationalities like Ecuadorians (4% of immigrants but 25% of arrests) and Mexicans (5.5% of immigrants but 10% of arrests) are overrepresented in ICE arrests as of 2025.
New data shows how much I.C.E. arrests have increased in Capital Region — CBS6 Albany
In New York, immigrants have accounted for 100% of all rental housing demand growth and over one-half of all growth in owner-occupied housing between 2023 and 2025.
In New York, Hispanic Americans have the highest uninsurance rate at 10.6%, compared to 6% for Asian residents, 5.9% for Black residents, and lower for White residents as of 2024 data.
New York — Health Journalism (AHCJ)
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