A strong group of Latino elected officials in the city issued a joint statement on Sunday backing five-term U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat as the Democratic primary approaches on Tuesday.
At 71 years old, Espaillat is facing a tough re-election fight against far-left Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Dalializa Avila Chevalier, 32, a democratic socialist who has the support of the Democratic Socialist Party of America.
The 13th Congressional District includes parts of Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, and the western Bronx, where about half of the voters identify as Hispanic, primarily Dominican and Puerto Rican.
In the statement, Bronx Representative Richie Torres highlighted Espaillat’s deep connection to the community, stating, “Adriano is one of us. He’s lived this work for decades, so he knows our neighborhoods, our struggles, our history, and our hopes.” The statement also included support from District Mayor Ruben Diaz Jr., along with state legislators Yudelka Tapia, Manny de los Santos, and George Alvarez, plus city council members Sean Abreu and Carmen de la Rosa.
Torres emphasized that Espaillat has not only spoken on behalf of the community but has also made significant contributions to it.
The supporting officials acknowledged Espaillat’s role on the House Appropriations Committee, where he has secured federal funding for schools, youth programs, higher education, improvements in NYCHA safety, housing, public infrastructure, and community agencies.
“This is what leadership looks like,” the Latino leaders wrote, affirming their support. “We stand with Adriano Espaillat because he leads, he delivers, and he never forgets where he comes from.”
In contrast, Chevalier has attracted attention for making openly racist remarks about white women, referring to them in derogatory terms and expressing problematic views about other demographics.
