Democratic Socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier Obliterates 5-Term Congressman in Shocking Primary Upset

WASHINGTON ― A political earthquake rattles New York as Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier is set to claim victory in the Democratic primary for the 13th Congressional District, delivering a brutal blow to incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who has held the seat for five terms.

Avila Chevalier, a community organizer at 32 years old, capitalized on her ties to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed her campaign against the five-term congressman and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Her platform revolved around radical ideas: housing as a human right, universal health care, dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and combating corporate greed.

She didn’t hold back in her criticism of Espaillat, who is 71, accusing him of neglecting the working-class constituents in Upper Manhattan and parts of the West Bronx. “I’m someone who has felt equally abandoned by establishment politics,” she declared on The Breakfast Club, highlighting the struggles of her community amid a housing crisis.

Despite Espaillat’s lead in recent polls and endorsements from heavyweights like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, he faced a formidable opponent. He outpaced Avila Chevalier in fundraising, pulling in $2.6 million compared to her $1.1 million.

This primary served as a litmus test for Mamdani’s influence over voters and his vision for democratic socialism in the city. His popularity remains robust months into his administration, and his backing of Avila Chevalier significantly boosted her profile.

“When I looked at her track record as someone who has freed some of our neighbors who have been unjustly detained by ICE, I thought that there could be no better person to fight back against the cruelty of that agency,” Mamdani stated on the same radio show with Avila Chevalier. He emphasized the urgency of her campaign as election day arrived.

Mamdani’s endorsement infuriated some party members, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Latino leaders on Capitol Hill, who rallied behind Espaillat. “Outrageous,” Rep. Juan Vargas exclaimed, criticizing the mayor for undermining a progressive leader who has worked hard in his role.

Tensions had been brewing throughout this race. Espaillat initially withheld his endorsement of Mamdani during last year’s primary but later supported him after Mamdani’s victory. The mayor had reportedly promised Espaillat future support if needed.

Fast forward to this year: Mamdani backed Avila Chevalier amid her outspoken criticism of Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. In contrast, Espaillat maintains close ties with the pro-Israel group American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which recently funneled $650,000 to a group supporting him.

Espaillat dismissed the impact of losing the mayor’s endorsement. “Mayor Mamdani is entitled to support the candidate of his choice,” he told The New York Times. “But one endorsement does not make a race. Voters do.”