Surprise Victory in New York Primary

Daria Lisa Avila Chevalier, a candidate allied with democratic socialism, achieved a surprising win in the New York state primary. Notably, seasoned Democratic strategist James Carville has a rather muted response to her victory.

Avila Chevalier, backed by New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, emerged victorious in the recent primary for the 13th Congressional District. With a background in “community organizing,” she also has a contentious history, having founded a group at a university that called for the “total eradication of Western civilization.”

In an interview, Carville commented on the implications of several far-left candidates winning in New York. He attempted to temper the concern, suggesting it mainly revolves around just three seats, but maintained that Avila-Chevalier should not be linked to the Democratic Party. “I don’t think she aligns with our values at all,” he said. “We support pluralism, but she clearly doesn’t.” Carville went on to express that she doesn’t belong in the party and should consider forming her own movement.

NewsNation host Elizabeth Vargas raised questions about Avila Chevalier’s radical views, including her calls to abolish ICE and the police and to end deportations. She pointedly asked, “Who is this person?”

“Honestly, she’s not a Democrat, is she?” Carville remarked, asserting that many within the party likely share his reservations about her. “This isn’t representative of who we are,” he continued, emphasizing that while she may hold office, she wouldn’t receive committee roles if Democrats secured a majority.

Carville also acknowledged comments from another commentator regarding politicians who openly criticize the Democratic Party while still running under its banner. He expressed confusion about their motives, saying, “If you have such a strong movement, why run under our name? Build your own.”

Discussions turned toward the rising concern of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic ranks, with Vargas referencing Representative Dan Goldman’s claim that this trend threatens democracy itself. Carville responded with a distinct warning: “Don’t confuse criticism of Israeli policies with denying Israel’s right to exist. That’s a line I won’t cross.”

He elaborated that there’s plenty of room for discussing Israeli policies or critiquing settlements—he believes they’re unwise—but a denial of Israel’s existence crosses into unacceptable territory. “People who feel that way? They don’t belong at my table,” he stated, suggesting it would be politically prudent to keep such views out of the party.

When asked about the alignment of far-left sentiments with the current Democratic Party, Carville reiterated that while everyone is entitled to their views, they should not align themselves with the Democratic label. “It’s damaging for the country when they do that,” he concluded.

Vargas contrasted Carville’s traditional Democratic views with a more radical leftist sentiment, suggesting a divide that Carville termed “insane,” indicating a dismissal of such extreme ideas. Fox News Digital attempted to contact Avila Chevalier’s office but did not receive an immediate response.