Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist and community organizer, has won the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District, defeating five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat. The victory, projected on June 23, 2026, represents a significant upset in the heavily Democratic district covering parts of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
Chevalier, 32, is a public defense investigator, doctoral student, and co-founder of Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a pro-Palestinian divestment group active during campus protests. She has been backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. Her campaign focused on progressive priorities including housing affordability, criminal justice reform, and foreign policy shifts.
During her time at Columbia, CUAD issued statements that drew controversy, including references to fighting for the “total eradication of Western civilization” in the context of broader anti-imperialist activism. Chevalier has also been vocal in criticizing U.S. policies, describing the country in strong terms in past comments. She supports measures such as police and prison reform, and has advocated for changes to immigration enforcement.
The win completes a sweep for candidates aligned with Mamdani’s slate in recent primaries, signaling growing influence for democratic socialist voices in New York City politics. Espaillat, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, conceded after a competitive race.
As the Democratic nominee in one of the nation’s most reliably blue districts, Chevalier is heavily favored to win the general election. Her potential arrival in Congress would add to the number of democratic socialists serving in the House, further diversifying the ideological makeup of the Democratic caucus.
The outcome has sparked national discussion about the direction of the Democratic Party, with some viewing it as a shift toward more radical policies and others celebrating expanded representation for left-wing perspectives. Political analysts expect her campaign to draw significant attention during the general election cycle.
Darializa Avila Chevalier Wins Democratic Primary in New York’s 13th Congressional District
