Far-Left Candidate Topples Longtime Democrat in New York

A self-described democratic socialist with a history of calling Joe Biden a “rapist” just ousted a 10-year Democratic congressman in New York — and she did it with the full backing of New York City’s socialist mayor.

Story Snapshot

Darializa Avila Chevalier beat 10-year incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District primary on June 23, 2026, winning 49.4% to 46%.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America backed Chevalier, signaling the far-left’s growing grip on the Democratic Party.
Chevalier opposes U.S. military aid to Israel, calling it genocide, and wants to abolish super PACs — yet her campaign benefited from millions in outside spending tied to a Texas billionaire linked to Republican causes.
The win is part of a wider socialist wave — four House incumbents have already lost their primaries in 2026 as far-left challengers target safe Democratic seats across the country.

Socialist Challenger Topples 10-Year Incumbent

Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District on June 23, 2026. With 87% of ballots counted, Chevalier led 49.4% to 46%. ^[1] Espaillat had held the seat since 2017 and chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The loss shocked party insiders who viewed him as a safe incumbent with a strong progressive record, including early impeachment articles against Trump and securing billions in transit funding.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Chevalier and helped drive turnout for her campaign. The Democratic Socialists of America also backed her. ^[4] Chevalier raised over $1 million in small donations, averaging $66 per contribution, and claims she took no corporate political action committee money. ^[9] House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs had stood with Espaillat. Jay Jacobs summed up the establishment view simply: “When you have a good incumbent, stick with him.” ^[3]

Who Is Darializa Avila Chevalier?

Chevalier identifies as a democratic socialist rooted in racial justice. She organized with groups like Black Youth Project 100 and Families for Freedom and holds a doctoral focus on racial and economic justice. ^[9] She opposes all U.S. military aid to Israel, calling it genocide, and wants to sign legislation from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Summer Lee to abolish super PACs and overturn Citizens United. Her platform is squarely to the left of most sitting House Democrats.

Chevalier’s past caught up with her during the race. Between 2018 and 2022, she posted tweets calling President Biden a “rapist” and used expletives against Vice President Kamala Harris. She publicly apologized during the campaign, saying Harris “did not deserve that language.” ^[9] Espaillat questioned whether those posts showed she was ready for Congress. Voters in NY-13 disagreed — but the posts raise real questions about her judgment and temperament heading into a general election.

The Hypocrisy Problem No One Can Ignore

Chevalier’s anti-money-in-politics message has a glaring hole. While she pledges to abolish super PACs, her campaign benefited from over $2 million in outside spending linked to a Texas billionaire who also supports Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. ^[9] She also disclosed receiving $1.5 million from the same Texas donor. ^[10] Chevalier says she did not directly accept political action committee money, but the outside spending supporting her campaign tells a different story — and it directly undercuts her core campaign message.

🚨🚨🚨Race Called🚨🚨🚨

Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic socialist activist has ousted Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a 5-term House member & chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in the most stunning upset over a powerful incumbent NY congressman since Rep. Alexandria… https://t.co/e9xQCl8Koe

— Mona Salama  (@ByMonaSalama) June 24, 2026

This race is not just a New York story. The 2026 primary season has already seen four House incumbents defeated, with far-left challengers targeting safe Democratic seats from coast to coast. ^[16] Mamdani is backing multiple socialist insurgents, and establishment Democrats like Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Hakeem Jeffries have congratulated Mamdani but stopped short of formally backing his movement. ^[6] For conservatives watching from the outside, this internal Democratic war is revealing: the party’s base is sprinting toward socialism, anti-Israel activism, and government expansion — and the establishment can’t stop it.