Progressives See an Opportunity to Unseat a Moderate in New York City's 13th Congressional District
The Justice Democrats, a group that has backed some of the most progressive candidates in Congress, have added another contender to their roster. Darializa Avila Chevalier, a seasoned community organizer from upper Manhattan, is taking on Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary for New York's 13th Congressional District.
Avila Chevalier, known for her advocacy work against immigration detention and family separation, has vowed to prioritize the needs of working-class New Yorkers over those of corporate interests and special donors. She promises not to accept funding from corporate PACs or lobbying groups, a stance that reflects the Justice Democrats' commitment to grassroots politics.
The district, which includes Upper Manhattan and parts of Harlem, swung decisively for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the recent mayoral election, despite Espaillat's initial opposition. The outcome has created an opportunity for progressives like Avila Chevalier to capitalize on the momentum generated by the "new New York."
Avila Chevalier's platform centers around a "housing for all" message, with a focus on investing in the NYC Housing Authority and addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing. She also advocates for divestment from the American military-industrial complex and redirecting those resources to programs that support families, including her own program, "babies not bombs."
As she prepares to take on Espaillat, Avila Chevalier is drawing on a wealth of experience as an organizer, having worked tirelessly to address issues such as immigration detention, family separation, and the removal of Confederate monuments. Her campaign promises to listen to the concerns of working-class New Yorkers, who are often overlooked by their elected representatives.
The stakes in this election are high for progressives nationwide, who see Espaillat's establishment ties as a symbol of the Democratic Party's failed commitment to progressive values. By challenging him, Avila Chevalier and other Justice Democrats candidates hope to revitalize the party's connection with its most loyal constituents and create a new wave of progressive leaders in Washington.
With her "housing for all" message and commitment to grassroots politics, Avila Chevalier is positioning herself as a champion of New York City's working-class communities. As the battle for control of this pivotal district heats up, progressives are hoping to capitalize on the momentum generated by Mamdani's mayoral victory and create a more just and equitable future for all New Yorkers.
The Justice Democrats, a group that has backed some of the most progressive candidates in Congress, have added another contender to their roster. Darializa Avila Chevalier, a seasoned community organizer from upper Manhattan, is taking on Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary for New York's 13th Congressional District.
Avila Chevalier, known for her advocacy work against immigration detention and family separation, has vowed to prioritize the needs of working-class New Yorkers over those of corporate interests and special donors. She promises not to accept funding from corporate PACs or lobbying groups, a stance that reflects the Justice Democrats' commitment to grassroots politics.
The district, which includes Upper Manhattan and parts of Harlem, swung decisively for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the recent mayoral election, despite Espaillat's initial opposition. The outcome has created an opportunity for progressives like Avila Chevalier to capitalize on the momentum generated by the "new New York."
Avila Chevalier's platform centers around a "housing for all" message, with a focus on investing in the NYC Housing Authority and addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing. She also advocates for divestment from the American military-industrial complex and redirecting those resources to programs that support families, including her own program, "babies not bombs."
As she prepares to take on Espaillat, Avila Chevalier is drawing on a wealth of experience as an organizer, having worked tirelessly to address issues such as immigration detention, family separation, and the removal of Confederate monuments. Her campaign promises to listen to the concerns of working-class New Yorkers, who are often overlooked by their elected representatives.
The stakes in this election are high for progressives nationwide, who see Espaillat's establishment ties as a symbol of the Democratic Party's failed commitment to progressive values. By challenging him, Avila Chevalier and other Justice Democrats candidates hope to revitalize the party's connection with its most loyal constituents and create a new wave of progressive leaders in Washington.
With her "housing for all" message and commitment to grassroots politics, Avila Chevalier is positioning herself as a champion of New York City's working-class communities. As the battle for control of this pivotal district heats up, progressives are hoping to capitalize on the momentum generated by Mamdani's mayoral victory and create a more just and equitable future for all New Yorkers.