New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is standing by Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist congressional candidate challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th District, despite renewed scrutiny over deleted social media posts that have become a major issue in the final stretch of the primary campaign.
Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old community organizer, is running against Espaillat, a longtime Democratic incumbent whose district includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. The race has become one of the most closely watched progressive challenges in New York politics, especially after Mamdani endorsed Avila Chevalier and helped elevate her campaign.
The controversy centers on old posts and reposts from Avila Chevalier’s deleted social media account. Reports say the posts included sharp criticism of the United States, the Democratic Party, police, prisons, borders, private property, and several national Democratic figures. Some posts reportedly used profane language toward former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, while others expressed support for abolishing borders, police, and prisons.
Avila Chevalier’s opponents have used the resurfaced posts to argue that she is too extreme for the district. Espaillat’s campaign has highlighted the material in attack ads, framing the deleted posts as part of her record rather than a distraction from policy. The incumbent’s allies are likely to continue using the controversy as the June 23 primary approaches.
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Mamdani, however, has not withdrawn his support. When asked about the posts during a Wednesday press conference, he said he had not seen the old tweets before endorsing Avila Chevalier. He argued that her views have evolved and said her current campaign reflects what she would fight for in Congress.
Mamdani pointed to Avila Chevalier’s work on immigration and housing issues, saying she has fought for New Yorkers who were detained by ICE and for working-class residents who fear displacement. He described her as a potentially strong advocate for a district dealing with affordability, immigration, and gentrification concerns.
The mayor’s defense shows how high the political stakes have become. Mamdani’s endorsement of Avila Chevalier is one of his most significant interventions in a federal race since becoming mayor. It also places him in direct conflict with more established Democrats who support Espaillat, including leaders aligned with the party’s institutional wing.
Espaillat is not a typical vulnerable incumbent. He is a senior Democrat, the first Dominican American elected to Congress, and a powerful figure in Latino politics. His district is heavily Democratic, meaning the primary will likely decide the seat. He has support from major elected officials and community leaders who argue that his experience and relationships in Washington are important for the district.
Avila Chevalier’s campaign represents a different kind of Democratic politics. She is backed by progressive and socialist-aligned groups and has focused on affordability, tenant protections, immigrant rights, and criticism of U.S. foreign policy. Supporters argue that the district needs a more confrontational progressive voice and that Espaillat represents an older political establishment.
The resurfaced posts have complicated that message. While many younger progressive voters may view old online comments as less important than current policy positions, other voters may see the posts as a sign of poor judgment or ideological extremism. That divide could shape the final days of the race.
The controversy also comes as polling suggests Avila Chevalier may be a serious threat to Espaillat. Semafor reported that a Justice Democrats/Data for Progress poll showed her leading the incumbent 39 percent to 35 percent. Because the poll was conducted for an allied progressive group, it should be viewed with caution, but it still indicates that the race is competitive enough to draw national attention.
For Mamdani, the endorsement is a test of his influence beyond City Hall. If Avila Chevalier wins, it would strengthen the argument that his political coalition can reshape Democratic politics in New York. If she loses, especially after weeks of controversy, it could raise questions about the limits of his endorsement power.
For Espaillat, the challenge is to frame the race as a choice between experience and risk. His campaign is likely to continue arguing that Avila Chevalier’s past statements are relevant to whether she can represent a diverse district in Congress. Her campaign, meanwhile, is expected to argue that the attacks are meant to distract from issues such as rent, immigration, healthcare, and the cost of living.
The race also reflects a broader Democratic Party divide. Across the country, progressives have challenged incumbents they view as too cautious or too close to the party establishment. Establishment Democrats often respond that some insurgent candidates may be vulnerable in general elections or may alienate key constituencies. In a district as Democratic as NY-13, the fight is less about Republican opposition and more about what kind of Democrat voters want representing them.
As the primary nears, the resurfaced posts are likely to remain central to the campaign. But the result may ultimately depend on whether voters see them as disqualifying or as old online rhetoric being used to attack a candidate whose current message speaks to their concerns.
Why It Matters
This race matters because it is a major test of progressive power in New York. Mamdani’s endorsement has turned a local congressional primary into a broader fight between democratic socialist activists and the Democratic establishment.
It also matters because the controversy shows how old social media posts can quickly reshape a campaign. Avila Chevalier’s supporters want the race focused on housing, immigration, and affordability, while Espaillat’s allies are using the posts to question her judgment and readiness for Congress.
What Comes Next
The next key moment is the June 23 Democratic primary. Espaillat is expected to continue emphasizing Avila Chevalier’s resurfaced posts, while her campaign and Mamdani’s allies will likely try to redirect attention toward economic and immigration issues.
If Avila Chevalier wins, it would be a major victory for Mamdani and the democratic socialist wing of New York politics. If Espaillat holds on, it would show that institutional support and concerns over candidate controversy still carry major weight in the district.
Critics also circulated older protest footage involving Avila Chevalier, arguing that her past activism should be part of the debate over her congressional campaign.
Zohran Mamdani just endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier for Congress.
On October 8th, 2023, while Jews were still being slaughtered, raped, kidnapped, and hunted across southern Israel, she attended the “All Out For Palestine” rally in NYC.
Some clips: pic.twitter.com/SaI9A0ih7A
— Yehuda Teitelbaum (@chalavyishmael) June 4, 2026
