NYC DSA candidate Claire Valdez vows to 'fight' for Mexico in Congress

Claire Valdez, a socialist running for New York’s 7th Congressional District seat, said she would “carry that fight” of Mexicans who fought against Spain for independence with her to Congress if she wins come November.

Valdez wrote on Wednesday, “215 years ago, Mexicans fought an empire that demanded our land and our labor. And we won. I'll carry that fight with me to Congress as New York's first Mexican American representative.” Mexico celebrated the 215th anniversary of Mexican independence from Spain in September of 2025. Notably, Valdez was born in the United States.

She added, “And I'm strengthened not just by Mexico's history but its present. Last month I met comrades in Morena who are standing up to the empires and corporations that have always taken from us – and building a government for the working class. ¡Viva la Independencia, Viva México!”

Valdez’s post was widely criticized on social media. Commentator and former NYPD officer Zeek Arkham wrote, “Are you campaigning for Mexico or America? I mean… if you’re that proud of Mexico and its fight, I sincerely think you should head back over there and roll up your sleeves.”

Libs of TikTok wrote, “This is the United States of America. F*ck off.”

DeSantis aide Christina Pushaw wrote, “This would be a great campaign for Congress in Mexico.”

Valdez is one of a slate of socialist candidates running for office in the midterms this year. She is running to fill the seat left open by departing Democrat Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Valdez received support from socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Also winning their primary in New York is Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is running for New York’s 13th Congressional District. She unseated incumbent Democrat Congressman Adriano Espaillat.