Political Club Divided Over Candidate in NYC Primary

A progressive political club in Manhattan, which once backed Mayor Zoran Mamdani, has decided not to endorse Dalia Lisa Avila Chevalier in her race against Congresswoman Adriano Espaillat for New York’s 13th Congressional District. This decision stems from Chevalier’s reluctance to condemn Hamas and the October 7 attacks in Israel.

The Broadway Democratic Party communicated its choice for Espaillat in its newsletter on June 18, stating, “This was not an easy choice for us.”

The group elaborated that Chevalier’s failure to denounce Hamas and its violent actions, including the October 7 assault and other attacks on Israeli civilians, played a significant role in their decision. They also noted concerns about her views on issues like political dissent, misogyny, and racism.

According to the Broadway Democratic Party, Chevalier’s refusal to condemn Hamas during a support rally highlighted her stance on the matter. They remarked, “When asked at our own support rally to condemn Hamas and the October 7 attacks, she flatly refused and turned the question into further attacks on Israel.”

During that March rally, the 32-year-old candidate remarked that blaming Gaza and Hamas for the October 7 events overlooked the prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories.

The Broadway Democrats, while critical of Israel’s actions like the violence in Gaza, also emphasized seeing the positive aspects of both Israelis and Palestinians. They expressed a belief that a two-state solution is still viable.

In a debate on June 4, when Chevalier was asked about her stance on Hamas, she emphasized the necessity of focusing on broader humanitarian issues rather than being sidetracked by political narratives around Hamas. Her comments sparked a mixed response, with some interpreting them as a lack of outright condemnation.

Chevalier later stated, “I’ve been fighting for a free Palestine for years. I am running to invest tax dollars in children here at home, not bombs to kill children overseas.”

Mamdani endorsed Chevalier earlier this month, and she has garnered support from various organizations, including the Democratic Socialists of America and other progressive groups.

In a recent interview, Chevalier acknowledged that she engages with individuals from differing perspectives while organizing around Palestine, indicating her ongoing dialogue with various community members. However, the interviewer challenged the representation of her interactions.

Chevalier’s history includes being a prominent activist during her time at Columbia University, where she co-founded groups like Columbia University Apartheid Divest and has been involved in protests against Israeli actions.

She acknowledged that her activism influenced her conversion to Islam three years ago and mentioned being arrested recently during a demonstration against Israel.

As the June 23 primary approaches, candidates will vie for voters in this predominantly Democratic region, which includes areas in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.