Episode Details

New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs joined Power & Politics this week, providing his reaction to the 2026 Primary Election.

Zohran Mamdani-endorsed candidates won three Congressional races in New York City, creating a stir throughout the State and Country.

Statewide, incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D) soundly defeated his first primary challengers in nearly two decades in office, which stuck out to Jacobs.

1. Primary Results & DiNapoli’s Win

   • [0:00:00 – 0:02:01]
     Intro, Jay Jacobs’ role, what voters signaled, and Tom DiNapoli’s primary and validation.

2. Israel–Palestine, AIPAC & Voter Priorities

   • [0:02:01 – 0:05:28]
     Israel–Palestine as a factor in NYC races, losses of incumbents, AIPAC’s role, and why most voters still focus on pocketbook issues.

3. Republican Messaging & Democratic Response

   • [0:05:28 – 0:09:30]
     GOP “socialist city” rhetoric, Jacobs’ rebuttal, DSA’s growth, MAGA parallels, and the need for bold Democratic ideas.

4. Working-Class Identity & Big Reforms

   • [0:09:30 – 0:13:00]
     Are Democrats still the working-class party, party legacy (wages, Social Security, etc.), and crisis politics driving the need for large-scale reforms.

5. Fighting Trump & Using Power

   • [0:13:00 – 0:19:19]
     Frustration with “strongly worded letters,” Schumer/Jeffries/Hochul’s role, why impeachment without conviction votes is a mistake, and what Democrats would do with majorities.

6. DSA, NY-21 & Redistricting

   • [0:19:19 – 0:22:26]
     Zohran Mamdani and the big-tent argument, NY-21 and Blake Gendebien vs. “DSA” labeling, and closing thoughts on redistricting and public education.

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