Espaillat’s Campaign Takes Action Against Super PAC

U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat’s campaign has responded strongly to a super PAC backing three far-left congressional candidates. They sent a “cease and desist” letter demanding an end to what they call a “false” advertising campaign that misrepresents the congressman’s record, according to reports.

Lawyer Stanley K. Schlein, representing Espaillat, issued the demand to American Priorities PAC. He threatened legal action unless they halted airing a recent TV ad that contains what he terms “factual inaccuracies” about Espaillat’s actions in Congress. This ad promotes challenger Dalia Lisa Avila Chevalier in the upcoming Democratic primary.

The ad begins with a message: “Attention New Yorkers: This is a public service announcement.” It states that Espaillat is allegedly cooperating with ICE, has voted to provide $7.6 billion in funding, and trusts Donald Trump. The ad ends by encouraging viewers to vote for Dalia Ariza to “fight ICE and fight for our families.”

Schlein’s letter, sent on Monday and also copied to the Federal Election Commission and the New York Board of Elections, criticized the ad for pretending to be a “public service announcement” while it was, in reality, “paid political communication intended to influence elections.”

Furthermore, the letter claims the ad “fabricated” a quote from a March report by The Intercept and inaccurately suggested that Espaillat cooperated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and voted for its funding.

“This ad creates a grossly false and misleading impression regarding his background,” Schlein wrote. He stresses that viewers might be misled into believing Espaillat supported a bill associated with ICE funding when he actually voted against its final passage.

Schlein concluded the letter by demanding the PAC cease any advertising that propagates this “false and misleading” message or face potential legal consequences.

American Priorities PAC’s main supporters include businessman Hussein “Sam” Malouk, who has pro-Palestinian affiliations. Earlier this month, the super PAC announced plans to spend $2 million on various forms of advertising aimed at boosting other left-leaning candidates associated with Avila Chevalier, like Queens Councilwoman Claire Valdez and former City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Avila Chevalier is challenging Espaillat in a primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District, which covers parts of northern Manhattan and the West Bronx. She has faced significant backlash recently over several inflammatory social media posts that were later deleted—these included strong criticisms of the United States, negative comments about police, and accusations against veterans.

A representative from American Priorities PAC has yet to respond to requests for comment.