Tuesday’s primary elections in New York City saw a trio of candidates endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani win against their more moderate Democratic opponents, placing these three progressives in line to be elected to Congress in November. One of these candidates, Darializa Avila Chevalier, is drawing both praise and criticism for her far-left stances and her critical words against the Democratic establishment.

Democratic socialist candidate brushes aside controversies, wins Democratic primary

Darializa Avila Chevalier won the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat. The victory is a huge upset win for Avila Chevalier, a doctoral student and community organizer who has never held elected office. Avila Chevalier, like Mamdani, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and she has the backing of progressive organizations like the Justice Democrats. Whose political leanings and quick rise have drawn comparison to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. One profile of Avila Chevalier described her as “like AOC, but to the left,” with political commentator Michael Lange saying that Avila Chevalier “might be the most left-leaning member of Congress if she wins.”

Avila Chevalier’s stances and political activities. While studying for a Ph.D. in sociology at Columbia University, Avila Chevalier also organized and participated in pro-Palestinian protests, which she has defended against critics. “I can only say I have been advocating for the human rights of Palestinians for my adult life,” Avila Chevalier told City & State New York about her protest activities. Avila Chevalier has also been criticized for her far-left stances and comments, including social media posts with statements such as “Israel doesn’t exist.” Avila Chevalier, who also works in a public defender’s office, made posts advocating for “a world without prisons or police” and proclaiming that “all deportation is wrong.” She has additionally posted sharp attacks against more established Democrats, calling former President Joe Biden a “rapist” and posting “F*** Kamala Harris.” Addressing her past posts, Avila Chevalier told NBC News that as she has gotten older, “My values have always been my values, but my understanding of how to approach the systems has grown.”

Avila Chevalier leans into her identity and her left-wing platform

While dealing with her past statements, Avila Chevalier leaned into her progressive politics and outsider identity. She was endorsed by fellow democratic socialist and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who also backed two other progressive New York congressional candidates: fellow democratic socialist Claire Valdez and progressive Brad Lander. All three Mamdani-backed candidates won against incumbents or candidates who were backed by establishment Democrats.

Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the current chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Avila Chevalier challenged Espaillat from the left on both domestic and foreign policy issues.

“Where is our congressman when ICE is kidnapping his constituents? Why should we let Adriano Espaillat vote to spend billions on bombs overseas when we’re struggling to afford rent and groceries right here in New York City?” Avila Chevalier said in the video that launched her campaign.

If Avila Chevalier wins in November’s general election, as is likely in the heavily Democratic 13th District, her victory will be groundbreaking in several ways. Avila Chevalier would replace Rep. Espaillat, who is the first and only Dominican American member of Congress, and Avila Chevalier would become the first Dominican American woman elected to Congress. Avila Chevalier recently converted to Islam, and she would also be one of only a few Muslims to serve in Congress.

She has endured attacks about her identity during the primary campaign, including criticisms that she only gained the endorsement of Mamdani due to their shared Muslim faith. Avila Chevalier also faced false claims that she was Haitian rather than Dominican.

“I am Black and Dominican,” Avila Chevalier said in a recent speech to the National Action Network. “And I will not apologize for it.”

In general, Avila Chevalier has been unapologetic about her identity as well as her political stances and actions. Her far-left views and controversial statements have drawn criticism from Republicans as well as moderate Democrats, but her politics appear to be appealing to the 13th District constituents who have backed her over an established Democrat and who will likely propel her into Congress.