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Rep. Adriano Espaillat loses primary to challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier

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Primary Shock: 71-Year-Old Incumbent Unseated by Progressive Challenger

NBC News projects that Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) has lost his primary election to Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old community organizer and member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

"Where is our congressman when ICE is kidnapping his constituents?" — Avila Chevalier

The upset marks a dramatic generational shift in New York's 13th Congressional District, as Avila Chevalier defeated the seven-term incumbent who was the first former undocumented immigrant and first Dominican American elected to Congress.

The Campaign

Avila Chevalier criticized Espaillat for not being sufficiently progressive on immigration and Israel policy. Her campaign platform included abolishing ICE, Medicare for All, and national tenant protections.

Espaillat, 71, emphasized his record on affordable housing and immigrant rights, saying: "I'm running on my record, a record of accomplishment."

The race was marked by negative campaigning on both sides, including attacks over Avila Chevalier's past social media posts and Espaillat's voting record.

Endorsements & Support

Espaillat Backed By Avila Chevalier Backed By House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Justice Democrats Gov. Kathy Hochul New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Attorney General Letitia James

Mayor Mamdani stated that Avila Chevalier represents "a new generation of leadership" focused on working-class struggles.

Controversy

Avila Chevalier faced criticism for past social media posts where she:

  • Called former President Joe Biden a "rapist"
  • Wrote "F--- Kamala Harris"
  • Stated that "Israel doesn't exist"
  • Expressed support for abolishing prisons and police

She responded that her understanding of systems has grown but her values remain the same.

Tensions on the Trail

Avila Chevalier accused Espaillat's supporters of racist attacks, including using "Haitian as a slur." Espaillat condemned the aggression and asked for the tone of the campaign to be lowered.

Avila Chevalier called her campaign a fight for working-class residents.

The outcome represents a significant test of progressive organizing power in New York politics, with a DSA-backed candidate defeating establishment party support.