On Thursday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly endorsed a progressive candidate known for her outspoken views on Israel, who is challenging the long-standing House Representative Adriano Espaillat. The candidate, Darializa Avila Chevalier, is vying for a seat in a Democratic primary that is gaining momentum across parts of upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
Mamdani praised Chevalier, describing her as a passionate advocate for those frequently overlooked by governmental policies. He highlighted her record, noting her efforts in helping to release individuals unjustly detained by ICE and her commitment to principles of affordability, dignity, and community-driven politics.
“Her campaign is fueled by working individuals who are ready to dismiss big-money politics in favor of something more promising,” Mamdani remarked, expressing optimism about her potential to win the race.
The endorsement of Chevalier, who once worked on Mamdani’s own mayoral campaign, was announced during a joint appearance on MS NOW.
Mamdani has previously shown support for other candidates in the run-up to the June primary. He endorsed former city Comptroller Brad Lander over House Representative Dan Goldman and backed state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Mamdani has backed other congressional candidates ahead of the June primary, including former city Comptroller Brad Lander over House Rep. Dan Goldman and state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
“Last year, @ZohranMamdani showed the entire country that people power can beat a machine,” Chevalier tweeted. “I’m thrilled to have his support!”
Espaillat, 71, who was first sworn into office in 2017, brushed off Mamdani’s endorsement and boasted about the top elected officials supporting him like Gov. Kathy Hochul, state Attorney General Letitia James and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn.)
“Mayor Mamdani is entitled to support the candidate of his choice,” he said in a statement. “But one endorsement does not make a race. Voters do.”
Chevalier, an ardent critic of Israel, has a host of far-left positions, including committing to abolishing prisons, and legalizing prostitution and the private use of all drugs, according to her DSA candidate questionnaire.
She also wants to abolish ICE and stop sending military support to Israel.
She also has a controversial social media history.
“I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me,” she posted online in 2019 along with a smiling face emoji in a now-deleted tweet.
The Post has sought comment from the campaign.
She slammed men of color for engaging in interracial relationships with white women and once talked about slamming the door on an “old white lady” in 2019 posts.
District 13 where the incumbent and challenger is vying to represent encompasses Harlem, Washington Heights and parts of the Bronx.
