A contentious primary contest is unfolding in New York’s 13th Congressional District, which includes northern Manhattan and parts of the western Bronx, as incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat faces a challenge from far-left candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier. The race has drawn intense attention from local and national Democratic leaders amid a backdrop of controversial statements made by Chevalier and a broader debate over party endorsements.

Chevalier, 32, a Democratic Socialist endorsed by the city chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and backed by Mayor Mamdani, has come under scrutiny for a series of inflammatory remarks on social media. Notably, in June 2021, she asserted that the United States had committed atrocities worse than those carried out by Hamas, referencing the U.S. use of nuclear weapons during World War II and colonial violence. This comment predates Hamas’s deadly attacks on Israeli civilians in October 2023, which sparked widespread condemnation.

In the days following those attacks, Chevalier participated in a Times Square rally where demonstrators celebrated Hamas's actions and where swastikas were reportedly displayed. The event was condemned by progressive figures including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who described the rally as a "hate fest." Chevalier has also been criticized for other controversial comments, including disparaging remarks about black and Arab men and promoting an unsubstantiated theory about COVID-19’s origins in France, which runs counter to the prevailing consensus that the virus originated in Wuhan, China. Additionally, she has tweeted derogatory statements about former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden has denied sexual assault allegations made by a former Senate aide in 1993; he has never faced charges.

In response to Chevalier’s statements and insurgent campaign, Espaillat, 71, has launched an attack ad questioning her readiness to serve in Congress. Chevalier’s campaign declined to comment on the criticism.

The contest has attracted high-profile endorsements for Espaillat. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus and prominent Harlem leaders, have expressed strong support for the veteran representative. Jeffries publicly voiced his disagreement with Mayor Mamdani’s endorsement of Chevalier and pledged to mobilize efforts to secure Espaillat’s re-election. Among those speaking at a recent Manhattan endorsement event were state Senator Cordell Cleare, Assembly members Al Taylor and Jordan Wright, and City Councilman Yusef Salaam.

The primary outcome could hinge on turnout patterns, with older voters in central Harlem—a traditional base for Espaillat—potentially offsetting support for Chevalier among younger, progressive voters. The race underscores ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party between established figures and insurgent left-wing candidates backed by socialist networks and certain city officials.