New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier walked out of a live radio interview after being pressed about past social media posts that became a flashpoint in her successful Democratic primary campaign.
The tense moment happened on primary Election Day during an interview with Spanish-language radio station La Mega. Hours later, Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District, delivering a major upset against a five-term incumbent and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Avila Chevalier, a public defense investigator backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America, is now heavily favored to win the safely Democratic seat in November. Her victory was one of three wins by Mamdani-backed candidates in New York City, strengthening the mayor’s influence over the party’s left flank.
But her campaign was also shadowed by scrutiny over old and deleted social media posts. Critics pointed to past comments in which she criticized Democratic leaders, supported abolishing police and prisons, opposed deportations and made sharp remarks about U.S. institutions and foreign policy.
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Some of the strongest backlash came from comments related to Dominican nationalism and the Dominican flag. Avila Chevalier had previously said she did not display the Dominican flag on her social media profile because she viewed nationalism as “violent.” The remarks drew criticism in a district with a large Dominican-American population, where some voters questioned her views on Dominican identity and culture.
During the radio interview, hosts gave Avila Chevalier an opportunity to address members of the Dominican community who may have been offended by her past comments. She said she felt bad about her old tweets in general and argued that the focus should now be on unity and the needs of the district.
When asked specifically about the Dominican flag controversy, Avila Chevalier said she wanted to focus on issues affecting residents of New York’s 13th District. After another host pressed her again, she pushed back, saying she would not sit there while multiple people yelled at her. She then removed her headphones and left the studio.
The moment quickly became part of the broader debate over her candidacy. Supporters argue that Avila Chevalier has acknowledged some past comments, evolved politically and should be judged on her current platform. Critics say the posts raise legitimate questions about how she would represent a diverse district that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.
Avila Chevalier has previously apologized for some of her rhetoric, including remarks directed at Democratic figures. However, she has continued to defend some policy positions, including broad opposition to deportations. In a recent interview, she said she believes all deportations are wrong, a stance that opponents have used to question her approach to immigration enforcement.
Her campaign has argued that the focus on old posts is an attempt to distract from issues such as affordability, housing, immigration, healthcare and working-class representation. Espaillat and his allies, meanwhile, pointed to experience, civil rights advocacy and community ties as reasons voters should stick with the incumbent.
In the end, voters chose Avila Chevalier, making her win one of the most surprising results of the New York primaries. Her victory also showed the power of Mamdani’s political network, which helped lift several left-wing candidates over establishment-backed Democrats.
The controversy is unlikely to disappear immediately. As Avila Chevalier moves toward the general election, Republicans and critics inside the Democratic Party may continue highlighting her past comments and the interview walkout. But in a heavily Democratic district, her primary win likely puts her on a path to Congress.
Why It Matters
The episode shows how old social media posts can become a major issue in modern campaigns, especially when candidates represent diverse communities with strong cultural identities. Avila Chevalier’s win also highlights the growing influence of Mamdani-aligned progressives in New York politics, even as their views face criticism from more traditional Democrats.
What Comes Next
Avila Chevalier is expected to shift toward the general election, where she will be strongly favored in the Democratic-leaning district. But questions over her past comments, immigration views and relationship with the Dominican-American community may continue to follow her as she prepares for Congress.
A clip from the La Mega interview showed Avila Chevalier leaving the studio after hosts pressed her about past comments involving the Dominican community and the flag.
La arrogante de Darializa Ávila Chevalier fue al programa EL VACILÓN DE LA MAÑANA EN NEW YORK 🗽 y se molestó con el Pacha, Excarlet y Guebín porque le dijeron que se disculpe por ofender a los dominicanos y la bandera.
Darializa se molestó y se retiró del programa. pic.twitter.com/5TBuokta7L
— Jaime Rincón (@JaimeRinconRD) June 23, 2026
