Adriano Espaillat, Darializa Avila Chevalier to face off in race for NY’s 13th Congressional District
Incumbent Congressman Adriano Espaillat is facing a primary challenge from community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York’s 13th Congressional District. The race, covering Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx, features a clash between Espaillat’s decade of experience and Avila Chevalier’s democratic socialist platform ahead of next Tuesday’s Primary Day.
Who is competing in the New York-13 primary?
Congressman Adriano Espaillat has served as the district’s political powerhouse for nearly a decade. He describes himself as the first Dominican American member of Congress in a city with a million Dominican Americans and the first member of Congress who was formerly undocumented.
His challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, is a 32-year-old community organizer and democratic socialist. The daughter of Dominican immigrants, she’s running as a progressive upstart seeking to shake up the political establishment.
What are the primary policy differences between the candidates?
Espaillat focuses on his record of securing federal funding to address affordable housing. He cited securing $7.7 billion for the Second Avenue subway and $200 million for the Kingsbridge Armory as evidence of his ability to find money to build housing and lower rents.
Avila Chevalier centers her platform on immigration and deportation. She opposes all deportations, including those of individuals with criminal convictions. She argued that detaining people who’ve already served their time is a form of “double jeopardy.”
How is the campaign performing in polls and fundraising?
Avila Chevalier has narrowed the polls and has raised more money than Espaillat during certain stretches of the campaign. She’s also received a high-profile endorsement from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which featured an advertisement during the NBA Finals.
However, Avila Chevalier has faced scrutiny over past social media activity. She expressed regret for inflammatory tweets directed at Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, including one where she called the former president a rapist.
What happens next in the race?
Early voting is currently underway, allowing New York voters to cast ballots before the official primary next Tuesday. The outcome may depend on whether voters prioritize Espaillat’s Washington experience or Avila Chevalier’s community-organizing background.
Depending on the results, the district could either maintain its current leadership or shift toward a democratic socialist representative. The final tally will determine if the “dean of Dominican-elected officials” retains his seat or if the progressive challenger succeeds in her bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District?
The primary takes place next Tuesday, though early voting is already underway.
What are the candidates’ views on immigration?
Darializa Avila Chevalier opposes all deportations, including for those with criminal convictions. Adriano Espaillat highlights his history as a formerly undocumented member of Congress.
What funding has Adriano Espaillat secured for the district?
According to Espaillat, he secured $7.7 billion for the Second Avenue subway and $200 million for the Kingsbridge Armory.
Do you believe legislative experience or progressive activism is more critical for representation in Congress?