Progressive Candidate's Debate Sparks Tensions in Democratic Party

WHO:

CNN - Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old democratic socialist candidate, is challenging incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th District.

CNN - Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York City, endorsed Avila Chevalier.

CNN - Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, was referenced in Avila Chevalier's past tweets.

CNN - Brad Lander, another candidate endorsed by Mamdani, is running in New York’s 10th District.

WHAT:

CNN - Avila Chevalier apologized during a debate for past disparaging remarks about Kamala Harris, stating, “To Vice President Kamala Harris, I sincerely apologize.”

CNN - Avila Chevalier previously posted critical tweets about Democratic leaders, including “Fk Kamala Harris.”

CNN - Espaillat criticized Avila Chevalier for her social media history, stating, “Words really matter.”

CNN - Avila Chevalier claimed she voted for Harris in 2024 and criticized the modern Democratic Party.

CNN - Avila Chevalier has been described as one of the most prominent left-wing challengers in the country.

CNN - The debate highlighted ideological and generational splits within the Democratic Party.

CNN - Avila Chevalier's deleted posts included support for abolishing police, prisons, and borders, and called for seizing private property.

CNN - Avila Chevalier stated, “I’ve seen a lot of similarities not just in the way things are done, but also in the very institutions that are enacting that violence.”

WHERE:

CNN - The debate took place in New York’s 13th District, which covers parts of Manhattan and the Bronx.

CNN - Avila Chevalier attended a pro-Palestinian rally in New York the day after Hamas’ attack on Israel.

WHEN:

CNN - The debate occurred on a Tuesday night.

CNN - Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and over 250 hostages.

CNN - Avila Chevalier's primary election is set for next Tuesday.

WHY:

CNN - Avila Chevalier expressed regret for her past tweets, stating they do not represent who she is today.

CNN - Espaillat argued that Avila Chevalier's social media history is irresponsible for someone seeking a congressional position.

HOW:

CNN - Avila Chevalier defended her attendance at the pro-Palestinian rally by stating she was protesting against an “outsized reaction” to the Hamas attack.

(UPDATED June 18, 2026 01:50 UTC)

Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old democratic socialist candidate, is challenging incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th District, with support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. During a recent debate, Avila Chevalier apologized for past disparaging remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, acknowledging that her previous tweets do not reflect who she is today, while Espaillat criticized her social media history as irresponsible for someone running for Congress. Avila Chevalier's primary election is set for next Tuesday, as she continues to navigate the ideological divides within the Democratic Party.