Mamdani Backs Primary Challenger Against Major Democrat Congressman

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is defying Democratic Party leadership as he seeks to overhaul the Big Apple’s congressional delegation, endorsing a socialist primary challenger against a prominent Democrat congressman in a race that exemplifies the party’s increasingly anti-incumbent and socialist spirit.

On Thursday, Mamdani, who is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is attempting to unseat Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

Espaillat is seeking a sixth term representing the majority-Hispanic district.

“She’s helped free neighbors wrongfully detained by ICE and has long believed in a politics rooted in affordability, dignity, and community,” Mamdani said of Chevalier in a statement.

“Her campaign is powered by working people ready to reject a politics of big money and demand something better. Let’s go win this,” Mamdani added.

Chevalier has criticized Espaillat for accepting the support of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)—an organization which advocates support for the Israeli government.

Espaillat has rejected claims that donations influence his conduct in Congress, recently telling The New York Times, “no one that donates to my campaign has control over how I vote. Only my constituents tell me how to vote.” 

Mamdani’s audacious endorsement of the DSA-backed Chevalier shows a rift with Democrat leaders in Washington and Albany.

Espaillat, born in the Dominican Republic, is the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, a powerful all-Democrat faction of Congress.

On Thursday, Espaillat touted the endorsements of other powerful Democrats in response to Mamdani.

“I am proud to have the support of a strong coalition, including labor unions, advocacy groups, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, [House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries], and countless community leaders,” he wrote.

He continued, “Mayor Mamdani is entitled to support the candidate of his choice. But one endorsement does not make a race. Voters do.”

This is not the only U.S. House primary Mamdani has meddled in. Mamdani has also endorsed New York City Comptroller Brad Lander in his bid to unseat Democrat Rep. Dan Goldman.

Lander has also made Israel a major issue in his race.

Mamdani has also endorsed DSA-endorsed candidate Claire Valdez to succeed retiring Democrat. Rep. Nydia Velazquez.

However, Mamdani has opposed a DSA member’s primary challenge against Leader Jeffries, saying, “I do not believe it’s the right time.”

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