Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist representing parts of Ridgewood, Sunnyside and Long Island City in the State Assembly, has launched a campaign for U.S. Rep Nydia Velázquez’s soon-to-be-vacant seat in Congress.
Valdez, a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who has represented the 37th Assembly District since early 2025, announced her campaign to replace Velázquez early Thursday morning and is widely expected to pick up the DSA nomination in the race.
