Zohran Mamdani Backs Darializa Avila Chevalier Despite Controversial Posts

New York City’s Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has expressed unwavering support for Darializa Avila Chevalier, a candidate for U.S. Congress who aligns with democratic socialism. This endorsement comes in light of recently resurfaced social media posts from Avila Chevalier that many find controversial and offensive.

Background on Darializa Avila Chevalier

Darializa Avila Chevalier, 32, has a long-standing record as a community organizer, most notably leading anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. Her social media presence between 2018 and 2022 reveals a series of incendiary statements regarding the United States, the Democratic Party, and various aspects of societal structure, including private property and policing.

Avila Chevalier is currently campaigning to unseat five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., in New York’s 13th congressional district, which incorporates Upper Manhattan and areas of the west Bronx.

Controversial Social Media Activity

In a repost from 2021, Avila Chevalier boldly stated that abolishing borders, prisons, and policing is “possible, necessary, and the only moral way forward.” Such sentiments align with her claims that “all deportation is wrong” and calls to “literally abolish the border,” according to a report.

Outrageous Statements and Reactions

Notably, Avila Chevalier has made statements that many find abhorrent. In one post, she described the United States as “a f—–g disgrace.” Another shocking remark involved wiping her hands on an American flag, which she reportedly disclosed without remorse. Her criticism extended to high-profile political figures, branding former President Joe Biden a “rapist” and “war criminal,” denouncing Sen. Bernie Sanders for his “liberal Zionism,” and stating “F–k Kamala Harris.”

Ambitious Policy Proposals During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Avila Chevalier advocated for radical changes in government policy, including demanding a universal basic income of $3,000 per month, nationalizing utilities, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals, and suspending mortgages and rents. She even called for the seizure of private properties from landlords, a move that would fundamentally alter the landscape of property ownership in the United States.

Mamdani’s Unwavering Support

Despite the backlash from Avila Chevalier’s past posts, Mayor Mamdani remains a staunch ally. In a news conference, he asserted that he had not seen the controversial tweets but believes Avila Chevalier’s views have evolved. He stated, “The campaign she is running on is reflective of what she’s going to be fighting for.” Mamdani emphasized Avila Chevalier’s record of working to free New Yorkers unjustly detained by ICE and standing up for the marginalized and working-class individuals often overlooked in politics.

Mamdani’s endorsement of Avila Chevalier dates back to late May, when he described her as someone who has always been committed to helping individuals that the political establishment tends to neglect. “What I see in her is that commitment fulfilled,” he commented on the show 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.”

Implications for the Upcoming Primary Election

As the primary election approaches on June 23, the race is heating up with significant implications for both Avila Chevalier and the Democratic Party. The dynamics of support from figures like Mamdani may play a pivotal role in shaping her campaign as she seeks to wrest control from an established incumbent.

Despite various requests for comments, officials from both Mamdani’s and Avila Chevalier’s offices, as well as Espaillat’s, have not responded.