Full Breakdown
Darializa Avila Chevalier Upsets Incumbent Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District Primary
6/24/2026, 7:15:35 AM
Core Event: Primary Upset in NY-13
On June 23, 2026, Darializa Avila Chevalier was projected to win the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District with 49.3 % of the vote to incumbent Adriano Espaillat’s 46 % after 86 % of ballots were counted. Espaillat conceded that night, and Avila Chevalier is now the presumptive nominee for a district that is reliably Democratic in the November general election.
Background & Context: Progressive Surge and Mayor Mamdani’s Influence
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist elected in 2025, has backed a slate of progressive challengers in this cycle. Although he initially pledged to support Espaillat after the incumbent backed his mayoral bid, Mamdani later endorsed Avila Chevalier, a move that amplified her campaign in the final weeks. The 13th District covers upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, neighborhoods with long-standing Democratic dominance.
Key Figures & Groups
- Darializa Avila Chevalier – 32-year-old community organizer, Ph.D. student, member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Justice Democrats.
- Adriano Espaillat – 71-year-old five-term congressman, first Dominican American in Congress, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
- Zohran Mamdani – New York City mayor, democratic socialist, key endorser of Avila Chevalier.
- DSA, Justice Democrats, AIPAC – Organizations that respectively supported Avila Chevalier, funded her campaign, or contributed to Espaillat’s race.
Data & Statistics
- Vote share: Avila Chevalier 49.3 % (AP 49.4 %); Espaillat 46 % (86-87 % ballots counted).
- Fundraising: Espaillat raised > $2.6 million; Avila Chevalier raised just under $1 million, relying on individual donors and progressive PACs.
- Super-PAC spending: AIPAC-linked super PAC contributed $650 k to groups supporting Espaillat; pro-Palestinian American Priorities PAC spent $500 k for Avila Chevalier. Total outside spending exceeded $9 million.
- Polling: A Mercury Public Affairs poll (June 9-11) showed Espaillat leading 35 % to 27 % with 38 % undecided.
Official Statements & Responses (summarized)
- Mamdani described Avila Chevalier as “the future of the Democratic Party” and said her victory would advance his “affordability agenda.”
- Avila Chevalier emphasized housing as a human right, universal health care, ICE abolition, and a refusal to take corporate money.
- Espaillat condemned aggressive campaign rhetoric, urged supporters to “tone it down,” and defended his record on immigration and Israel.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other establishment Democrats publicly backed Espaillat, underscoring party unity.
Criticism & Opposition
Avila Chevalier’s opponents highlighted past social-media posts in which she called former President Biden a “rapist,” used profanity toward Vice President Harris, and wrote that “Israel doesn’t exist.” They also accused her of not being Dominican, using “Haitian” as a slur, and engaging in Islamophobia. Conversely, Espaillat faced criticism for accepting contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and for voting for additional military aid to Israel in 2024.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Pre-primary polls showed Espaillat ahead, yet the final count favored Avila Chevalier.
- Mamdani’s shift from promising to back Espaillat to endorsing Avila Chevalier was not publicly explained.
- The precise effect of Avila Chevalier’s Israel stance on voter turnout remains unclear.
Why It Matters / Impact
The upset expands DSA representation in Congress and signals a possible shift in Democratic priorities toward progressive housing, health-care, and immigration policies. Mamdani’s endorsement strategy positions him as a “kingmaker” whose influence may shape future national races. The race also highlights deepening intra-party divisions over Israel, campaign financing, and identity politics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Where is our congressman when ICE is kidnapping his constituents? Why should we let Adriano Espaillat vote to spend billions on bombs overseas when we’re struggling to afford rent and groceries right here in New York City?” — Darializa Avila Chevalier, campaign video.
- “I’m running on my record, a record of accomplishment, a record that has listened to people and that has brought back results to the community I represent,” — Adriano Espaillat, Spectrum News NY1 debate.
- “But what she needs is to just break through to New Yorkers who are too busy trying to make ends meet to think about the next election.” — Zohran Mamdani, interview on The Breakfast Club.
- “They tried to come with their hate, their racism, and their bigotry,” — Attendee at Avila Chevalier’s campaign party (quoted by AMNY).
What’s Next
Avila Chevalier will appear on the November ballot in a solidly Democratic district. Her victory may shape upcoming congressional debates on housing, health care, ICE reform, and U.S. policy toward Israel, while observers watch Mamdani’s endorsement model in forthcoming primaries nationwide.
