Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist contender for the House, has gained attention for her participation in anti-Israel protests. However, her acceptance of campaign funds from firms whose technologies have been employed to surveil protesters has sparked controversy.
In her quest to challenge the five-term incumbent, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Chevalier received a $1,500 contribution from Rami Sarafa, according to records from the Board of Elections. Sarafa heads Cordoba Advisory Partners, a firm specializing in wealth management and private equity.
Cordoba Advisory Partners is notable for establishing an investment entity named Datamnr Preferred Secondary LLC. This entity invests in Dataminr, an AI-driven “risk intelligence” company. Dataminr’s tools have reportedly been used by law enforcement to keep tabs on demonstrations such as Black Lives Matter and pro-Gaza rallies.
Beyond these investments, Cordoba also channels funds into other ventures, including cryptocurrency and blockchain projects like Blockchain Access VC I LLC.
Adding to the political landscape, Sarafa previously contributed $10,000 to the New Yorkers for Lower Costs Super PAC, which supported Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign last year. Chevalier herself also made a $150 donation to Mamdani’s campaign fund, underscoring her support for fellow progressive candidates.
Sarafa also donated $10,000 to New Yorkers for Lower Costs Super PAC, which backed Zohran Mamdani for mayor last year, and the candidate also donated $150 to Mamdani’s campaign account.
Chevalier’s filings also show about $150 in donations from a Palantir engineer, Aidan Duffy, who works on the company’s controversial Foundry platform, which the Trump administration used to collect data on Americans.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement also uses Palantir tools to identify immigrants prioritized for deportation.
Chevalier’s campaign had no immediate comment.
The 13th congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill, and the north-west Bronx.
Espaillat, 71, who is seeking a sixth term, has deep ties in the district, particularly Washington Heights/Inwood.
But Chevalier is waging a formidable challenge with the backing of left-wing groups, including the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Justice Democrats.
Her campaign released an internal poll late last month claiming she only trailed Espaillat 42% to 28% ahead of the June 23 Democratic Party primary.
Espaillat has the backing of major unions and Democratic Party heavyweights including state Attorney General Letitia James.
