A surprising win in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th District has been attributed to the endorsement of Mayor Zoran Mamdani, particularly for ultra-progressive candidate Daria Lisa Avila Chevalier.
Chevalier’s success, representing the Democratic Socialists of America, illustrates how a small group of progressive primary voters can influence the broader electorate, leaving many residents feeling overlooked.
At just 32, Chevalier managed to unseat incumbent Adriano Espaillat, a familiar face in politics for nine years, with only 7% support from the district’s active Democratic voters after Mamdani shifted his allegiance to her.
Before this endorsement, Espaillat, a moderate Democrat and former undocumented immigrant, seemed poised for a certain win, particularly among NY-13’s predominantly black and Hispanic community.
“Very little is known about her,” commented Nancy, an investor from Washington Heights, adding that Chevalier lacked a significant local presence and history, making her unfamiliar to many voters.
Nancy, who preferred not to use her last name, credited Mamdani’s backing for the surprising turnout. His support seemed to galvanize a more upscale demographic while traditional voters stayed home.
“There are many newcomers in the area, and it’s sort of a mismatch when those who advocate for the community don’t always show up at the polls,” she noted.
Early insights suggested that young, educated, high-income black and white voters played a crucial role in Chevalier’s rise, despite her progressive views leaving some residents confused.
Yvette Thomas, a 69-year-old Harlem native who voted for Espaillat, expressed disbelief at the results. Chevalier captured 61% of the vote from white voters compared to Espaillat’s 39%.
“He’s helped the elderly and the community… there’s wisdom in experience,” she remarked, highlighting Espaillat’s long-held position.
Chevalier, whose parents are Dominican immigrants, grew up in Miami before moving to New York 14 years ago to study at Columbia University.
On her Justice Democratic Party profile, Chevalier describes herself as a “working-class Afro-Latina organizer.” Her political stances appear, perhaps, more reflective of her Ivy League education than of actual community engagement in NY-13.
Her policies include opposing deportation and incarceration, advocating for the abolition of ICE, universal basic income, student loan forgiveness, and Medicare for All, along with gender-affirming healthcare.
While Thomas isn’t against all of Chevalier’s ideas, she feels many are unrealistic. “Sometimes people step into office with grand visions only to face hard truths,” she suggested.
Thomas also referred to Chevalier’s past social media posts as problematic, recalling offensive remarks that had since been deleted. “We judge people based on their first impressions, and it’s difficult to erase that,” she added.
Yunuen Tinoco, a medical receptionist, echoed similar sentiments, questioning Chevalier’s integrity after her retractions. “I don’t see her as a reliable choice,” she said.
Roxanne Gregg, a Harlem resident for 15 years, felt similarly disconcerted. “You can’t undo what was said; the feelings behind it remain,” she stated, noting her lack of support for either candidate due to feeling unrepresented.
When discussing Chevalier’s most contentious proposals, reactions from NY-13’s community were varied, especially concerning her calls for policies like abolishing ICE and implementing universal basic income.
Greg, a sociology student, noted that while some of Chevalier’s ideas intrigued her, others felt more theoretical rather than grounded in reality. “I personally enjoy working,” she noted, emphasizing the value of employment.
Roberto Boyd, a 40-year-old engineer and Harlem business owner, criticized the push for a 32-hour work week. “For some, longer hours align with their passions and work needs,” he asserted, reflecting broader concerns about how such changes might impact businesses.
Boyd didn’t vote, expressing worries about the financial burden that the policies proposed by Mamdani and DSA might place on the city, noting the tax implications of increased spending.
A generational divide appeared evident during discussions in NY-13, particularly among older residents like Norbert, 75, who expressed shock at the electoral outcome.
Norbert voted for Espaillat, citing Chevalier’s stance on Israel as offensive. He commented on Espaillat’s support for the neighborhood’s Jewish community, which he values highly.
Chevalier’s advocacy for reduced military support to Israel and her involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia have led to mixed feelings among the electorate.
“Israel is our ally… when they’re in danger, we’re all in danger,” Norbert added, conveying his anxiety over the election’s implications.
Frank Rodman, a Democrat from Washington Heights, worries that Chevalier’s win signals a leftward shift in the Democratic Party. “I’m a liberal Democrat, maybe even a socialist, but this direction gives me pause,” he expressed.
These experiences in NY-13 underscore a reality where a handful of energized voters, influenced by a socialist mayor, can significantly alter the electoral landscape, sidelining the voices of everyday New Yorkers.
This primary result is a reflection of the ideological shifts occurring within Mandani’s New York.
