Mamdani’s big bet pays off in New York: 5 takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries

New York City Zohran Mamdani’s (D) gamble in a series of House primary contests on Tuesday paid off, with all three of his picks clinching wins.   Democratic socialist candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, backed by Mamdani, cruised to victory, with Avila Chevalier notably ousting Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.). Former mayoral candidate Brad Lander, a progressive with Mamdani’s endorsement, also handily defeated Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.).   These three races put him at odds with key…