Primary election upsets in New York on Tuesday renewed debate among some Democrats and Jewish advocacy groups about the party's direction on Israel and its relationship with Jewish voters.

Two House Democrats seeking reelection were defeated by candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist whose growing influence has alarmed moderate and pro-Israel Democrats.

Former city Comptroller Brad Lander, who describes himself as a "liberal Zionist," defeated Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., in New York's 10th Congressional District.

In another upset, democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier unseated Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who represents the state's 13th Congressional District.

The results were seen by some observers as a victory for the party's progressive wing and a setback for establishment Democrats.

Avila Chevalier has drawn national attention for her role in organizing Columbia University's anti-Israel encampment protests during the Israel-Hamas war and for a history of divisive statements. She has previously declared that Israel does not exist and has advocated abolishing prisons, police forces, and national borders.

In an editorial, the New York Post on Wednesday described the Mamdani-backed winners as a "hateful slate," reflecting growing concerns among critics who argue anti-Israel activism has become increasingly influential among Democrats.

Several prominent liberal voices also reacted with alarm to the primary results.

MS NOW columnist Michael Cohen wrote on X, "This is a genuinely scary night for New York City Jews."

Gun control activist Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, expressed concern over what he sees as growing political attacks involving Jewish Americans.

"America is moving in 2 directions. On one side, we have those who won elections blaming George Soros. On the other side, as we saw yesterday, we have those who won elections blaming AIPAC," Guttenberg wrote.

"Everyone seems to be blaming Jewish people for political gain," he continued. "As a Jewish person, I fear I do not have a political home."

The defeats of Goldman and Espaillat come as Democrats continue to grapple with deep divisions over Israel, the war in Gaza, and allegations of rising antisemitism within the party.

Goldman has been one of Congress' strongest supporters of Israel and has frequently warned fellow Democrats about growing anti-Israel sentiment. His defeat is likely to intensify concerns among pro-Israel Democrats that the party's activist base is moving in a different direction.

The New York primaries also represent another significant political victory for Mamdani, whose brand of democratic socialism has gained traction among younger progressive voters while drawing criticism from moderates and pro-Israel groups.

Further reactions emerged on social media following the results, with critics warning that the outcomes could further alienate Jewish voters and deepen divisions among Democrats.

New York Times bestselling author and journalist James Kirchick argued that Avila Chevalier's victory reflects a troubling shift.

"With Darializa Chevalier’s victory tonight, publicly exulting in the mass murder of Jews is no longer a barrier to high office in the Democratic Party," Kirchick wrote on X.

Author and former political operative Evan Barker suggested that the results could have broader implications for Democrats in the November general election.

"I don’t think Democrats understand that they just made swing voters choose between the DSA [Democratic Socialists of America] and MAGA," Barker said.