Story perspectives

Mayor-backed Chevalier Upsets Espaillat in NY13 Primary

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Darializa Avila Chevalier beat Rep. Adriano Espaillat in primary for the 13th Congressional District, becoming the nominee.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement turned the race into a test of his clout.
Espaillat raised over $2 million, while Chevalier raised under $1 million from progressive groups.
Chevalier was endorsed by Mayor Mamdani and Justice Democrats, while Espaillat received endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

History

Historical Context

In June 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated ten-term incumbent Joe Crowley in New York’s 14th district, winning 57% of the vote despite being outspent 18 to 1. The shock upset, amplified by Justice Democrats and the Democratic Socialists of America, sparked a wave of progressive primary challenges, including Chevalier’s win over Espaillat backed by NYC-DSA and mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani.

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Story summary

Darializa Avila Chevalier beat Rep. Adriano Espaillat in primary for the 13th Congressional District, becoming the nominee.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement turned the race into a test of his clout.
Espaillat raised over $2 million, while Chevalier raised under $1 million from progressive groups.
Chevalier was endorsed by Mayor Mamdani and Justice Democrats, while Espaillat received endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

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