The 2026 New York City Primary Election Day is less than three weeks away, and News 12 is keeping a close eye on the major races in the region.
In New York’s 7th Congressional District, Queens Assembly Member Claire Valdez is running to replace long-time Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who will vacate her seat at the end of this term.
"It's possible to take on corporate greed, and that's what I want to do in Congress," said Valdez.
The democratic socialist currently serves Queens in the 37th Assembly district -- a position she's held for just over a year.
"I know what it's like to have to work seven days a week, paycheck to paycheck,” said Valdez. “But I also know what it's like to join a union and transform your life."
Valdez is a Texas native who has experience as a union organizer.
"Unions are a way for us to address the affordability crisis, to build power for working-class people," said Valdez.
Her platform also includes making Medicare and housing more accessible and affordable.
"So many of our taxpayer dollars are going to fund illegal wars and genocide, rather than building hospitals and housing right here in NY-7,” said Valdez. “It's what we heard across the district."
Some of her major endorsements include Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.
"When I'm going into negotiation around housing and thinking about housing, I'm not thinking about the donors who helped in this campaign,” said Valdez. “I'm thinking about the working-class people who have been a part of it."
News 12 requested interviews with all the top-funded candidates in the district race.
You can go to the "Power and Politics" section of news12.com to check them out.
