Dalializa Avila Chevalier’s Controversial Campaign
Dalializa Avila Chevalier, a far-left candidate in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District, is attempting to unseat incumbent Adriano Espaillat. She has repeatedly apologized for previous tweets that contained derogatory remarks about Kamala Harris.
“I deeply regret my tweet,” Chevalier stated during a heated debate with Espaillat, who has held office for five terms and represents parts of northern Manhattan and the Bronx.
In her apology, Chevalier, 32, mentioned a prior X post where she referred to Harris in a negative manner. The district she aims to represent includes diverse communities like Harlem and Washington Heights, known for their support of Harris during her presidential bid.
“I sincerely apologize. I would like to meet a black female president,” she expressed during the debate.
Espaillat, 71, appeared relaxed while addressing Chevalier’s presence at a controversial rally following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel that drew widespread criticism.
“She went to celebrate the deaths of innocent people,” Espaillat remarked, highlighting the controversy surrounding her actions.
Chevalier countered, stating that her intention was to advocate for Palestinian rights and criticize what she perceives as apartheid practices by Israel.
“I never celebrate human death,” she said, attempting to clarify her stance.
Espaillat has also faced scrutiny for his support of Israel, especially as opinions shift among Democrats regarding the conflict in Gaza. He pointed out that he has received significant donations from pro-Israel organizations, while Chevalier’s funding has come from outside super PACs.
Immigration is another critical issue in the district, home to many immigrants, including those without legal status. While both candidates share Dominican roots and express support for immigrant protections, their views diverge on specific policies.
Chevalier opposes deportation for illegal immigrants, even those convicted of serious crimes, while Espaillat supports such measures for the most severe offenses, recalling his own status as an undocumented immigrant.
During discussions about public safety, Espaillat highlighted Chevalier’s past criticisms of police forces, framing her approach as seeking to eliminate them entirely.
Chevalier advocated for addressing crime through social programs aimed at poverty alleviation, rather than strengthening police forces.
Both candidates expressed support for Mayor Mamdani’s initiative to open city-run grocery stores in each ward, emphasizing the need to protect local businesses.
A recent poll indicates Espaillat leading Chevalier by a slim margin of 35% to 27%, with a significant number of voters still undecided. Voting is set for June 23rd, following a period of early voting.
