Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has launched a campaign for New York’s 7th Congressional District, becoming the first major candidate for the seat being vacated by Representative Nydia Velázquez after 16 terms. His entry sets the stage for a closely watched Democratic primary in one of the city’s most left-leaning districts.
Reynoso, 42, has built a profile as a progressive leader in Brooklyn. He previously served on the City Council and has been borough president since 2022. In announcing his campaign, he praised Velázquez’s decades of service and political mentorship. “Nydia is a hero, a mentor, and a friend,” he remarked, calling her a pioneer who laid the groundwork for a new generation of leaders. He added that continuing her work had become urgent amid national debates over immigration, federal aid programs, and the Democratic Party’s direction.
The race is expected to draw competition from the Democratic Socialists of America, whose members have gained traction in neighborhoods including Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint, and Ridgewood. The organization is considering endorsing one of its own members, potentially setting up a contest between established progressives and the party’s more left-leaning wing.
Several DSA-aligned lawmakers are exploring campaigns, including Queens Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assemblywoman Claire Valdez.
Reynoso emphasized his long-standing work as a reform-minded lawmaker and his connections across the diverse district, which spans parts of Brooklyn and Queens and includes a large Latino population. As candidates begin to declare, the contest is shaping up as a measure of the Democratic Party’s direction in New York, highlighting the evolving balance between progressive and socialist forces in the city.
