New York socialist slate enters Congress as Pelosi stays silent

Rep. Hank Johnson welcomed three New York Democrats endorsed by Zohran Mamdani into the House caucus, saying they’ll participate, while Pelosi and Omar dodged questions about the growing Democratic Socialists of America influence after their victories. The winners—Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander and Claire Valdez—advocated progressive positions, including criticism of Israel’s government, with Lander defending the right to critique Israel; Johnson tied the moment to broader debates over U.S. policy in the Middle East and the party’s left flank.