Dem Socialist House Candidate Touts Letter Signing as Top Achievement

Claire Valdez's campaign is highlighting her signing of a letter as a major accomplishment from her time in the New York State Assembly.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A Democratic socialist congressional candidate in New York, Claire Valdez, is touting the signing of a letter calling for the release of an anti-Israel activist as one of her top achievements during her one year in the state Assembly. The letter-signing is listed alongside other light credentials like renting an apartment and being a union member on a single-page of talking points for her campaign.

Why it matters

Valdez is running for a U.S. House seat backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, aiming to ride a progressive wave. However, her campaign's emphasis on signing a letter as a major accomplishment highlights her relative lack of legislative experience, raising questions about her qualifications for Congress.

The details

The talking points obtained by the New York Post show that Valdez's campaign is directing volunteers to highlight her signing of a letter calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University protester who the Trump administration sought to deport. The other 'key accomplishments' listed are that Valdez rents an apartment, is a union member, and was an early backer of Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign in 2024. Valdez has previously criticized more moderate Democrats for relying on 'strongly worded letters' as a form of protest.

  • Valdez was elected to the New York State Assembly's 37th District in 2024.
  • Khalil was expected to be deported to Algeria last month after being picked up by ICE last year.

The players

Claire Valdez

A Democratic socialist and New York State Assemblywoman who is running for a U.S. House seat backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has endorsed Valdez's congressional campaign, despite concerns from the retiring U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez.

Mahmoud Khalil

An anti-Israel activist and former Columbia University graduate student who was expected to be deported to Algeria last month after being picked up by ICE.

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What they’re saying

“So, what Valdez is pretty much admitting is that she is just slightly more qualified than someone in a coma.”

— Democratic operative (New York Post)

“Don't worry, our rights will be protected in more sternly worded letters from @RepJeffries & @SenSchumer.”

— Claire Valdez (Twitter)

“No more strongly worded letters.”

— Claire Valdez (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in Khalil's case will decide on whether to allow him to remain in the U.S. or deport him to Algeria.

The takeaway

Valdez's emphasis on signing a letter as a major accomplishment highlights her relative lack of legislative experience, raising questions about her qualifications for Congress and the Democratic Socialists' strategy of backing inexperienced candidates to ride a progressive wave.