Darializa Avila Chevalier Wins New York Primary Amid Communist-Label Controversy

Democratic candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier secured the New York 13th Congressional District primary, finishing ahead of incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat. The district includes most of Upper Manhattan and portions of the West Bronx. Avila Chevalier’s campaign, endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), emphasized affordability, working-class investment, and a vision of budgets as “moral documents.”

The Hill

The race unfolded against a backdrop of progressive policy proposals championed by Mamdani’s backers, such as city-run grocery stores, free healthcare, free public transportation, and higher taxes on wealthy residents. Mamdani highlighted that three candidates he endorsed won their respective contests the day before Avila Chevalier’s primary win, signaling a broader shift toward “a new kind of politics” among New York Democrats.

The Hill

• Darializa Avila Chevalier – Democratic primary winner, positioned herself as a progressive alternative to the incumbent.

The Hill

• Zohran Mamdani – New York City mayor, DSA supporter, and early endorser of Avila Chevalier.

The Hill

• Democratic Socialists of America – National organization backing the candidate and promoting progressive municipal policies.

The Hill

• Adriano Espaillat – Incumbent Democratic congressman defeated in the primary.

The Hill

• Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader (D-NY), who downplayed concerns that progressive primary outcomes could harm the party’s brand.

The Hill

Avila Chevalier declined to engage with Republican advertisements labeling her a communist, emphasizing a deliberate choice to avoid reactive tactics. She argued that the Democratic Party should present a proactive, positive agenda focused on affordability and working-class investment, framing budgets as reflections of moral priorities. Mamdani echoed this sentiment, describing the Democratic Party as defined by its voters and praising the turnout that supported “a new kind of politics.” Jeffries, speaking after the primary, dismissed speculation that the progressive victories would negatively affect the party’s national standing.

The Hill

Republican campaign ads framed Avila Chevalier as a communist, prompting criticism from opponents who equated her platform with an economic model that replaces private ownership with public ownership. Critics distinguished communism from socialism, noting that the latter retains some private enterprise while seeking to narrow wealth gaps. Avila Chevalier’s supporters countered that the campaign’s focus remained on practical policy goals rather than ideological labels.

The Hill

• “That framing is one that I’ve been very proud to be able to say I don’t respond to, one in which I have been very intentional to say I won’t be reactive,” — Darializa Avila Chevalier, Candidate

The Hill

• “We are presenting a vision of what we’re fighting for.” — Darializa Avila Chevalier, Candidate

The Hill

• “If we say that we want to invest in working people in this country, then we need to do that, and our budgets need to reflect that,” — Darializa Avila Chevalier, Candidate

The Hill

• “And I’ve been clear time and time again that I believe the only majority in our country is that of the working class,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

The Hill

Avila Chevalier now advances to the November general election, where she will face the Republican nominee for the 13th District seat. The primary outcome has intensified discussion within the Democratic Party about the balance between progressive policy proposals and broader electoral strategy, a debate that is likely to shape upcoming campaign messaging and party platform considerations.

The Hill