Queens victory gives democratic socialist candidate momentum as progressive bloc seeks to reshape party politics in New York
NEW YORK: Palestinian-American candidate Aber Kawas has won the Democratic primary for a New York State Senate race in Queens, becoming the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected in New York state, according to local campaign results announced on Tuesday.
Kawas, who ran on a platform of democratic socialism, affordability reform and opposition to US support for Israel’s war in Gaza, secured the primary victory with backing from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, one of the city’s most prominent progressive figures.
Born and raised in New York to Palestinian parents, Kawas framed her campaign around economic justice, immigration reform and the rising cost of living, while also calling for an end to what she described as US complicity in the war in Gaza.
Campaign focused on affordability, immigration and Gaza stance
During the campaign, Kawas repeatedly highlighted New York’s affordability crisis, arguing that working families in Queens are being squeezed by rising housing, food and transport costs. She also called for changes to the immigration system, saying immigrant communities need stronger protections and better access to public services.
At the same time, Kawas positioned herself firmly within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, using her campaign to advocate democratic socialist policies and challenge US support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Her message resonated with a growing bloc of left-leaning voters in New York who have increasingly backed candidates campaigning on economic redistribution, housing reform and a tougher stance on foreign policy issues.
Victory adds to progressive momentum around Mamdani
Kawas’s win comes as Zohran Mamdani continues to build influence inside New York Democratic politics after a string of major primary victories by candidates aligned with his movement.
His endorsement gave Kawas additional visibility and linked her campaign to a broader effort to reshape the Democratic Party in the state around democratic socialist ideas and grassroots organising.
The primary result is likely to draw wider attention because of both Kawas’s historic breakthrough and the growing strength of progressive candidates in New York, where debates over affordability, immigration and the Gaza war have become increasingly central to local political contests.
