D.S.A. Candidate Wins Election for Mayor's Old Seat

Diana Moreno will serve the remainder of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's term in the New York State Assembly.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07pm

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In a special legislative election on Tuesday, Diana Moreno, a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (D.S.A.), won the election for the New York State Assembly seat previously held by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Why it matters

This election result reflects the growing influence of the D.S.A. in New York politics, as the party continues to make inroads in local and state-level elections. Moreno's victory also highlights the ongoing political shift in the city following Mamdani's election as mayor.

The details

Diana Moreno, a D.S.A.-backed candidate, won the election for the New York State Assembly seat previously held by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Moreno will now serve the remainder of Mamdani's term in the Assembly.

  • The special legislative election took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Diana Moreno

The D.S.A.-backed candidate who won the election for the New York State Assembly seat previously held by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani

The former New York State Assembly member who was elected mayor and has now been replaced by Diana Moreno.

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What they’re saying

“This victory is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the growing influence of democratic socialism in New York City.”

— Diana Moreno (New York Times)

What’s next

Moreno will be sworn in to serve the remainder of Mamdani's term in the New York State Assembly.

The takeaway

The election of Diana Moreno, a D.S.A.-backed candidate, to the New York State Assembly seat previously held by Mayor Zohran Mamdani underscores the growing political power of democratic socialists in New York City.