Progressive Brooklyn borough prez launches bid to replace retiring rep’s in pivotal election for Dems
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has announced his candidacy for the soon‑to‑be‑vacant U.S. House seat that has long been a bastion of progressive politics. The 42‑year‑old, who previously served as a councilman for District 34, is the first high‑profile figure to officially enter the race for New York’s 7th congressional district. The seat will open when Representative Nydia Velázquez steps down after 16 terms.
Reynoso paid tribute to the retiring congresswoman, saying “Nydia is a hero, a mentor, and a friend.” He framed her legacy as a foundational force for a new generation of left‑leaning leaders across all levels of government. “She is the progressive pioneer who laid the groundwork for an entire generation of new leftist voices at every level of government, and no one can replace her presence. But we must continue her fight, and we will continue that fight because the need has never been greater,” he added.
The New York Times first reported the launch of Reynoso’s campaign. The Bloomberg‑style figure, who has won two elections for borough president, is running at a time that looks crucial for both local and national Democrats. The party is grappling with whether to embrace the far‑left surge that helped socialist Zohran Mamdani win in the mayoral race.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a more moderate voice, has cautioned against treating the insurgent left backing Mamdani as the party’s future, even as he aims to help Democrats reclaim the House majority. Reynoso is not a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) but was quick to endorse Mamdani earlier in the campaign.
It remains unclear whether the incoming mayor or the DSA will support Reynoso, and a handful of socialists have hinted at a potential run for the open seat. Queens Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, state Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assemblywoman Claire Valdez have all been mentioned in speculation. All three are DSA members, while another state senator, Julia Salazar, stepped back from the rumors and posted, “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but: I have no intentions to run for Congress,” on social media Wednesday.
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