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Mayor Mamdani Endorses Controversial Candidate, Sparks Hispanic Backlash

6/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier, whose deleted posts called the United States a disgrace, at a scrum at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Political analysts warned that Mamdani’s endorsements could alienate senior Hispanic legislators.
Mamdani also backed Queens assemblywoman Claire Valdez and Brooklyn borough president Brad Lander while refusing to disclose his own vote in the 12th District primary.

History

Historical Context

After the 1989 Supreme Court ruling that ended the Board of Estimate and forced redrawing of council districts to boost minority seats, the City Council grew to 51 members and, by 2022, achieved a female-majority with Hispanic, Muslim and LGBTQ members. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement of Darializa Avila Chevalier at the Met Museum shows how that legacy of ethnic coalition-building shapes campaign tactics.

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Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier, whose deleted posts called the United States a disgrace, at a scrum at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Political analysts warned that Mamdani’s endorsements could alienate senior Hispanic legislators.
Mamdani also backed Queens assemblywoman Claire Valdez and Brooklyn borough president Brad Lander while refusing to disclose his own vote in the 12th District primary.

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