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◆ Mixed look for EspaillatForeign PolicyElections / Campaigns

New York's 13th District: A Mamdani-backed progressive's challenge to a veteran Democrat highlights party fractures

He challenged Avila Chevalier’s defense of her deleted posts and criticized her attendance at a pro-Palestinian rally.

New York's 13th District: A Mamdani-backed progressive's challenge to a veteran Democrat highlights party fractures
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This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
CNN
Jun 17, 2026
tl;dr

At a debate in New York’s 13th District, Darializa Avila Chevalier apologized for past remarks about Kamala Harris while incumbent Adriano Espaillat challenged her record and views. The exchange underscored divisions in a primary that has become a test of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s influence.

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Incumbent representative defending his seat against Avila Chevalier

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Democratic candidate challenging Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th District

Avila Chevalier's version of this story ↗

State assemblywoman and congressional candidate endorsed by Mamdani

Chi Osse
D · NY

New York City Council member who considered a primary challenge to Hakeem Jeffries

Brooklyn Borough President and congressional candidate in the 7th District

New York political figure and congressional candidate mentioned in connection with the rally and Mamdani’s endorsements

House Minority Leader and potential primary opponent of Chi Ossé

Kamala Harris
Former U.S. Senator (D-CA)

Former vice president and subject of Avila Chevalier’s past remarks and apology

Representative whose 10th District seat Brad Lander is contesting

Representative whose chosen successor is identified in the 7th District race

ALSO MENTIONED  Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor and endorser of Avila Chevalier; Andrew Cuomo, Former governor mentioned in the account of Mamdani’s mayoral campaign

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