Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialists of America candidate running for New York's 7th Congressional District, posted a tweet celebrating Mexican Independence Day. In her tweet, she expressed her commitment to carrying the fight for Mexico's independence into Congress as the first Mexican American representative from New York. Valdez stated that she is strengthened by Mexico's history and present, specifically mentioning a meeting with "comrades in Morena," Mexico's ruling leftist party. She lauded them for opposing empires and corporations and building a government for the working class. Valdez concluded her message with "¡Viva la Independencia, Viva México!" Critics online, including Senator Jim Banks, condemned her message as disqualifying and indicative of foreign allegiances rather than American interests. They argued that her focus was on global class war rather than addressing domestic issues like taxes or the southern border. Valdez has also claimed dual U.S. citizenship with the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Nation.