Two left-leaning candidates, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are planning to make a socialist impact in Washington, D.C., potentially jeopardizing over $215 million in essential anti-terrorism funding for New York City, even before they’re officially elected.
Darializa Avila-Chevalier and Claire Valdez, prominent candidates from the Democratic Socialists of America, are reportedly collaborating with members of the congressional “Squad” to strategize a vote against the Department of Homeland Security’s budget next year. Insiders suggest this move is aimed at establishing a strong socialist presence in Congress.
This strategy could place Mamdani, a key figure in the DSA, in a difficult position. He has advocated for this funding and would be accountable for the loss of crucial counter-terrorism grants for New York City, but sources indicate that the candidates appear unfazed.
“They are trying to figure out how to hurt DHS even if it costs NYC millions [of dollars],” one insider expressed with frustration.
“They don’t care what it costs NYC. They are there to make a point,” another source added.
Avila-Chevalier and Valdez are almost assured victories in the upcoming November elections after their primary successes earlier this year. Avila-Chevalier aims to represent areas of Manhattan and The Bronx, while Valdez, currently a state assemblywoman, is targeting a congressional seat covering parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
They have already set their sights on the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), established in 2003 in response to the 9/11 attacks, which allocates nearly $600 million in grants to major urban areas to mitigate the risk of terrorism.
Mamdani, alongside state officials like Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Tish James, has frequently criticized the previous Trump administration for withholding some of these funds, highlighting this grievance just earlier this month.
“We are not talking about reports or studies or abstract security proposals,” Mamdani stated on September 1. “We are talking about the money needed to fully fund 12 bomb squads across New York. We are talking about ensuring that in the event of a catastrophic attack, the FDNY can communicate internally and respond effectively.”
He emphasized the necessity of proper training and equipment for first responders to tackle potential radiological threats and insisted, “There is no excuse for the federal government to leave the nation’s largest city to shoulder this burden alone.”
The budding plan by Avila-Chevalier and Valdez to assert their socialist stance while also opposing DHS complicates matters for Mamdani and his administration. They’ve received input from “Squad” members Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, which adds pressure on Mamdani.
Sources revealed that Avila-Chevalier and Valdez are attempting to keep their plans discreet. They fear that public knowledge could create unnecessary conflict with their DSA ally and Mamdani’s staff member, Tascha Van Auken, who heads the mayor’s office of mass engagement.
“Both of these incoming members know they are piecing together a plan that hurts New York City financially, jeopardizes the safety of first responders, and impacts their own constituents — they just don’t care. It’s the exact opposite of ‘never forget,’ ” a federal legislative source expressed indignantly.
