New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is standing by congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier after a series of controversial social media posts resurfaced ahead of next week’s Democratic primary.
Avila Chevalier, a community organizer and democratic socialist, is challenging five-term Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District.
The district includes parts of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
The race has attracted growing attention following reports highlighting deleted social media posts Avila Chevalier made between 2018 and 2022.
According to those reports, Avila Chevalier endorsed abolishing borders, prisons and police.
In one repost from 2021, she shared a message stating that abolishing borders, prisons and police was “possible, necessary, and the only moral way forward.”
Other posts reportedly included statements such as “all deportation is wrong” and “Yes, literally abolish the border.”
Additional posts criticized the United States and prominent Democratic politicians.
One post reportedly described the United States as a “f—–g disgrace.”
Another reportedly referenced wiping her hand on an American flag after forgetting to get napkins.
Reports also indicate Avila Chevalier referred to former President Joe Biden as a “rapist” and a “war criminal.”
She also reportedly criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders and used profanity when referring to former Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Avila Chevalier advocated for a sweeping set of progressive economic policies.
According to reports, she supported providing Americans with $3,000 per month in universal basic income.
She also advocated nationalizing utilities, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals.
Additional proposals reportedly included suspending rent and mortgage payments, dissolving insurance companies, expanding Medicare and seizing property from landlords.
The resurfaced posts have become a focal point of the congressional race.
Despite the controversy, Mamdani said he remains supportive of Avila Chevalier’s candidacy.
Speaking during a Wednesday news conference, the mayor said he had not previously seen the posts.
Mamdani argued that the candidate’s current campaign should be judged on her present views rather than past statements.
“When it comes to Darializa’s campaign, I had not seen those tweets,” Mamdani said.
“What I’ve heard from her and what I know a lot of others in the district that have heard from her is that her views have evolved and that the campaign she is running on is reflective of what she’s going to be fighting for,” he added.
Mamdani pointed to Avila Chevalier’s activism and advocacy work as reasons for his continued support.
The mayor highlighted her efforts on immigration-related issues and her work on behalf of working-class residents.
“When I see a candidate who has a record like she does of freeing New Yorkers who are unjustly detained by ICE, of standing up for the working person who has often been left out of our politics, I think that she would be an incredible champion for that district and for the city as a whole,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani first endorsed Avila Chevalier in late May.
During an appearance on MS NOW at the time, he praised her commitment to what he described as communities often overlooked by politicians.
“She grew up with a commitment to the very people that politics have left behind, and what I see in her is that commitment fulfilled,” Mamdani said.
The mayor also said he believed she could become an important voice for his broader affordability agenda.
Avila Chevalier has been a prominent activist in New York progressive circles.
She also helped lead anti-Israel protests at Columbia University that attracted national attention.
Her campaign has focused heavily on housing affordability, immigration policy and economic inequality, Fox News reported.
The primary election is scheduled for June 23.
The winner will face Espaillat, who is seeking another term representing the heavily Democratic district.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
