Mamdani-backed socialist beats Espaillat in victory for New York City mayor

Socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier upset a top House Democrat during New York’s Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District on Tuesday night, notching a significant victory for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who threw his weight behind her in the race.

Mamdani-backed socialist beats Espaillat in victory for New York City mayor

TL;DR

  • Darializa Avila Chevalier, a socialist, defeated House Democrat Adriano Espaillat in New York's 13th Congressional District primary.
  • The Associated Press called the race with Avila Chevalier leading Espaillat.
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Avila Chevalier, contributing to her victory.
  • Avila Chevalier highlighted her involvement in Columbia University's pro-Palestinian encampment and criticized Espaillat's ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
  • The race saw bitter exchanges, with Avila Chevalier accusing Espaillat's surrogates of spreading false information and racial slurs.
  • Espaillat, a six-term incumbent and ally of Hakeem Jeffries, was the first Dominican American elected to the House.
  • Espaillat's defeat is viewed as part of a broader trend of generational change within the Democratic party.