New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has defended his endorsement of Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist running for Congress in New York's 13th congressional district, after social media posts containing anti-American sentiment and far-left political statements resurfaced.
Avila Chevalier, 32, a community organizer who led anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, is challenging five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., in the June 23 primary election. The district encompasses Upper Manhattan and parts of the west Bronx.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics point to the content of Avila Chevalier's deleted posts as evidence of deeply anti-American views incompatible with serving in Congress.
The resurfaced posts include statements such as "This country is a f-----g disgrace" and comments about wiping her hand on an American flag. She also called former President Joe Biden a "rapist" and "war criminal," criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders for his stance on Israel, and expressed support for abolishing borders, prisons, and police.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Avila Chevalier advocated for government-provided universal basic income of $3,000 per month, nationalization of utilities, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals, suspension of mortgages and rent, seizure of private property from landlords, dissolution of insurance companies, and expansion of Medicare to all citizens.
Opponents argue that such positions represent views too extreme for mainstream voters in the district. They question whether political candidates can simply distance themselves from past statements by claiming their views have evolved.
What the Left Is Saying
Mamdani expressed full support for Avila Chevalier during a Wednesday news conference, stating that her views have evolved since the posts were written between 2018 and 2022.
"When it comes to Darializa's campaign, I had not seen those tweets and what I've heard from her and what I know a lot of others in the district that have heard from her is that her views have evolved and that the campaign she is running on is reflective of what she's going to be fighting for," Mamdani said.
The mayor highlighted Avila Chevalier's record of advocating for immigrants detained by ICE and her commitment to working-class residents facing displacement. "When I see a candidate who has a record like she does of freeing New Yorkers who are unjustly detained by ICE, of standing up for the working person who has often been left out of our politics... I think that she would be an incredible champion for that district," he continued.
Mamdani first endorsed Avila Chevalier in late May. "She grew up with a commitment to the very people that politics have left behind, and what I see in her is that commitment fulfilled," he said on MS NOW. "I can't wait for her to be introduced to so many across the city and across this country as we fight for that affordability agenda, from New York City to D.C."
What the Numbers Show
Avila Chevalier is 32 years old and running against Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who has served five terms representing New York's 13th congressional district since first being elected in 2016.
The primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Early voting has already begun in New York City as Mamdani pushes his progressive affordability agenda citywide.
Avila Chevalier's campaign focuses on themes of displacement and affordable housing concerns that resonate with residents across Upper Manhattan and the west Bronx, areas known for their diversity and significant immigrant populations.
Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Mamdani, Avila Chevalier and Espaillat. None responded to requests for comment.
The Bottom Line
The controversy highlights ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about the boundaries of acceptable political ideology. Mamdani's continued support signals that progressive leaders are willing to defend candidates whose past statements fall well outside mainstream political discourse.
Avila Chevalier must now navigate questions about whether her current platform accurately represents her beliefs or merely reflects strategic positioning for a competitive primary race against an entrenched incumbent. The outcome could test how far leftward New York City voters are willing to move their representatives in Congress.