New York Socialist Congressional Candidate Draws Controversy
Daria Lisa Avila Chevalier, a congressional candidate from New York’s Socialist Party, has come under scrutiny for her past social media activity, where she praised figures associated with communism and Marxism. Many of these posts have since been removed.
Her radical stance has caught attention, particularly as she co-founded a group advocating for the “total eradication of Western civilization.” This was highlighted by various news outlets. The current primary race features Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaira, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about the left’s direction.
The 32-year-old has previously been candid on social media, calling for the abolition of police and borders, among other things. CNN noted some of her controversial comments, including one about using an American flag inappropriately. Between 2020 and 2022, her account, “Darializabonet,” revealed a consistent admiration for communist ideology.
In her earlier posts, Avila Chevalier claimed, “What a communist you are,” alongside recommendations for Karl Marx’s “Das Kapital” as essential reading. She expressed frustration that public libraries lacked Marxist literature and shared retweets from communist accounts lamenting the absence of J.V. Stalin’s works in banned book displays.
One particular retweet referenced Assata Shakur, a convicted member of the Black Liberation Army, who spoke about his preference for revolutionary figures like Ho Chi Minh over Marx and Lenin due to their significant contributions. Avila Chevalier further shared thoughts implying that the universe is a testament to capitalism’s failures and mentioned that people’s misconceptions about communism are tied to economic struggles.
She made light of Sheryl Crow’s song “Soak Up the Sun,” claiming the opening lyrics about a “friend, the communist” to be a sign of capitalist propaganda.
Her agenda outlines ambitious proposals, such as the Green New Deal, universal child care, and a Super-Wealthy Tax Act. After winning her primary, critiques emerged from some Republicans, suggesting that the Democratic Party has been overtaken by a radical left faction.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that “Marxists, socialists, insurgent far-leftists have taken over the Democratic Party,” suggesting that many of these candidates reject traditional American values. He emphasized the stark contrast between common sense and what he called “insanity.” Meanwhile, Senator Rand Paul expressed concern over the growing support for socialism among younger voters, reflecting on past tragedies in socialist countries.
Similarly, Rep. Andy Biggs characterized the rise of socialist candidates as indicative of broader shifts within the Democratic Party, claiming that many have become influenced by what he described as “Marxist rhetoric” originating from former President Obama.
