Prominent Brooklyn Democrat jumps into race to replace retiring Velázquez
Prominent Brooklyn Democratic leader Antonio Reynoso has announced his candidacy for new York’s 7th Congressional District, aiming to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Reynoso, the Brooklyn Borough President as 2021, highlighted priorities such as limiting former President Trump’s power, blocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), building affordable housing, reducing healthcare costs, and expanding medical services.Born and raised in Williamsburg, Reynoso pledged to continue fighting for the community against special interests. The district, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens, is diverse with a large Hispanic population. Reynoso is the first major Democrat to enter the race,but he may face challenges from the progressive left,including potential candidates like Assemblywoman Claire Valdez,Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán,and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez,all with strong socialist backing. The primary winner is expected to have an easy path in the general election due to the district’s strong Democratic lean.
Prominent Brooklyn Democrat jumps into race to replace retiring Velázquez
The race to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) has its first heavyweight: Brooklyn President Antonio Reynoso.
Reynoso announced his campaign for New York‘s 7th Congressional District on Thursday in an ad, speaking mostly in Spanish. He said “no one” could ever replace Velázquez, who has served the district for more than a decade, but that he is ready to “step up.”
As his top priorities, Reynoso listed limiting President Donald Trump’s power, “blocking” Immigration and Customs Enforcement, building affordable housing, lowering healthcare costs, and expanding the medical system.
“I was born here in Williamsburg,” he wrote on X. “And I’ve taken on tough battles to protect it against special interests, corrupt politicians, & the ultra-wealthy. I’ve made it my mission to lower costs, stand up to Trump, & fight for our home. I’m Antonio Reynoso, & I’m running for Congress.”
The 7th District is comprised of portions of Queens and Brooklyn and features several diverse ethnic groups, including a large Hispanic population. Reynoso is the first prominent Democrat to announce his run for the district after Velázquez said she would retire last month.
The 42-year-old easily won election as Brooklyn president in 2021, cruising through the primary and general elections. He replaced New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who used the position to launch his bid for the city’s highest office.
Reynoso will use the position to launch his quest to secure a seat in Congress. However, despite holding some progressive chops, he is expected to face a challenge from the surging socialist Left.
New York State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, who entered elected politics earlier this year, is exploring a run for Congress. She is a noted socialist who is allied with New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Journalist Ross Barkan said if Valdez enters the race and draws the support of Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America, Reynoso will have a fight on his hands.
“In a pre-2017 world, Antonio Reynoso would walk into the Velázquez seat. If DSA backs Claire Valdez, and Zohran Mamdani goes all-in, it’s going to be a real bloody fight. Valdez may have the edge,” he wrote on X.
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Others considering a run include New York City Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán and state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, both of whom are also socialists.
As one of the most progressive districts in the country, whoever wins in the Democratic primary in 2026 will face little serious opposition in the general election.
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