Jerry Nadler bests Carolyn Maloney in nasty primary battle for NYC seat

August 25, 2022

Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) won his primary election against fellow Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-New York) on Tuesday night, August 23, ending a tense nominating contest that pitted two longtime New York Democrats—who both first were elected to the House 30 years ago and became friends—against one another.

Their uncomfortable member-versus-member matchup was the result of redistricting, which threw New York City’s congressional delegation into chaos earlier this year as their territories merged. Maloney already had been facing a handful of progressive challengers—including Suraj Patel, who stayed in the race to battle both incumbents.

But in the waning days of the primary, Nadler appeared to emerge as a party favorite for the nomination. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) endorsed him as did Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). And the congressman managed to utilize his high-profile role in impeaching former President Donald Trump as a winning narrative on the campaign trail—as well as his Jewish faith in the heavily Jewish district.

Maloney, meanwhile, sought to frame herself as a reliable vote for the party’s agenda and highlighted her position as the only woman in the race. But she faced a bout of tough headlines in recent weeks, after repeatedly insisting that President Joe Biden would not run for a second term in 2024. The president, himself, has insisted he’s running again.

No sitting members of Congress endorsed Maloney, although she, like Nadler, had support from a number of local lawmakers and groups. Both Nadler and Maloney are part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and have few differences on policy.

New York’s 12th Congressional District is heavily Democratic, meaning Nadler is virtually guaranteed to win re-election this November.

Research contact: @thedailybeast