Story perspectives

Espaillat Allies Accuse Challenger of Haitian Heritage

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Espaillat allies falsely called challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier Haitian, questioning her Dominican heritage.
Adviser Rusking Pimentel accused Avila Chevalier and Zohran Mamdani of trying to replace Dominicans with Haitians, while official Pelegrin Castillo warned campaign aims to diminish Dominican influence.
Espaillat declined comment and highlighted his Dominican roots after voting at Public School 152, while Avila Chevalier, a Muslim Dominican immigrant, was criticized for omitting Dominican flag in 2022 biography.

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Story summary

Espaillat allies falsely called challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier Haitian, questioning her Dominican heritage.
Adviser Rusking Pimentel accused Avila Chevalier and Zohran Mamdani of trying to replace Dominicans with Haitians, while official Pelegrin Castillo warned campaign aims to diminish Dominican influence.
Espaillat declined comment and highlighted his Dominican roots after voting at Public School 152, while Avila Chevalier, a Muslim Dominican immigrant, was criticized for omitting Dominican flag in 2022 biography.