New York’s anti-establishment wave tests incumbents in crowded primaries

New York’s primaries are shaped by a rising anti-establishment mood as voters frustrated by cost of living and Washington gridlock back outsiders with limited political experience—backed by figures like Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America—against entrenched incumbents such as Adriano Espaillat and Antonio Reynoso. The upstate race to replace Elise Stefanik also features a Trump-endorsed challenger, underscoring a broader realignment where outsiders surge in competitive races amid a harsh political climate and redistricting that narrows swing seats.