Full Breakdown
Democratic Primary in Washington Heights: Espaillat Faces Heritage-Based Attacks Over Challenger Avila Chevalier
6/24/2026, 6:24:06 AM
Core Contest and Allegations
The June 23 Democratic primary in New York City’s Washington Heights district pitted incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican-American member of Congress, against Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist and child of Dominican immigrants. In the final days of the campaign, Avila Chevalier was targeted with accusations that she is Haitian and that her candidacy aims to shift political power toward Haitian, Muslim voters.
Background & Demographic Context
Washington Heights hosts the nation’s largest Dominican community, a demographic cornerstone of Espaillat’s electoral base. The district also includes a growing Haitian population, a factor that has become a focal point of intra-community political tension. Both Avila Chevalier and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed her, are Muslim, a detail highlighted by opponents.
Key Figures
- Adriano Espaillat – Incumbent U.S. Representative, Dominican-American heritage.
- Darializa Avila Chevalier – Democratic socialist challenger, Dominican-American background, Muslim.
- Zohran Mamdani – New York City mayor, Muslim, Avila Chevalier’s endorsor.
- Rusking Pimentel – Former adviser to Espaillat, currently on leave; publicly accused Avila Chevalier of “trying to replace Dominicans in Washington Heights with Haitians who are Muslim.”
- Pelegrin Castillo – Former Dominican Republic public official; warned Dominican voters to “stay highly alert” and alleged that Mamdani is “downplaying the political influence” of Dominicans to “reconfigure” the district.
Timeline of the Primary Campaign
- 2022 – Avila Chevalier omitted the Dominican flag from her public biography, a point later cited by opponents.
- Early June 2026 – Castillo’s social-media warning and Pimentel’s accusations circulated.
- June 23, 2026 – Primary voting took place at Public School 152 in Washington Heights; Espaillat cast his ballot but declined to comment on the heritage allegations.
Data & Statistics
- The district contains the United States’ largest Dominican community, a demographic that has historically underpinned Espaillat’s electoral success.
Official Statements & Responses
- Espaillat: After voting, he did not address the accusations against Avila Chevalier but reiterated his Dominican heritage in campaign messaging.
- Avila Chevalier: No direct public response to the heritage claims is recorded in the source material.
- Mamdani: Endorsed Avila Chevalier; the source does not include a statement on the accusations.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents framed the race as a contest over ethnic representation. Pimentel alleged a coordinated effort to “replace Dominicans…with Haitians who are Muslim,” while Castillo warned that the candidacy could “downplay the political influence” of Dominicans and “reconfigure” the district’s power balance.
On-the-Ground Reports
Espaillat voted at Public School 152 in Washington Heights on primary day, underscoring his continued presence in the community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The accusations of Haitian ancestry lack verification; no evidence is presented to substantiate the claim. Additionally, Avila Chevalier’s own statements on the matter are absent, leaving a gap in her perspective.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Avila Chevalier and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has endorsed her candidacy, of trying to replace Dominicans in Washington Heights with Haitians who are Muslim,City and State first reported.” — Rusking Pimentel, former adviser to Espaillat
- “stay highly alert” — Pelegrin Castillo, former Dominican Republic public official
- “downplaying the political influence” — Pelegrin Castillo
- “reconfigure” — Pelegrin Castillo
What’s Next
The primary’s outcome will determine the Democratic nominee for the congressional seat. Observers anticipate continued scrutiny of ethnic and religious dynamics as the district’s electorate prepares for the general election.
