The Democratic Party is facing an identity crisis after three far-left radicals, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, won their primary elections in a clean sweep. The mayor's preferred candidates defeated those backed by the Democrat establishment and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), leaving party leadership shellshocked.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old socialist, won in the 13th Congressional District, defeating five-term Democrat Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) in a primary battle. Avila Chevalier is a hardline anti-Israel actor who attended Columbia University and is currently pursuing a PhD at the City University of New York (CUNY). She has been involved in various left-wing groups and has made inflammatory posts on social media, targeting Democrats and the United States.
Avila Chevalier has been critical of the US, calling it a "f---ing disgrace" and questioning the country's values. She is also an advocate for abolishing borders, police, and prisons. In a debate against Espaillat, she argued that illegal aliens shouldn't be deported under any circumstances, even if they have committed violent crimes or served jail time. She has also been accused of making racist comments about white women and black and Arab men.
Claire Valdez, another socialist, won in the 37th District, a position she was elected to in 2024. Valdez is part Native American and a citizen of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Nation. She has been endorsed by Justice Democrats, a far-left group that has ties to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Valdez has called for the U.S. to withhold funding to Israel and has labeled ICE a "fascist agency." She has also advocated for the abolishment of ICE and has compared Israel's military action in Gaza to genocide.
Brad Lander, a former card-carrying DSA member, won in the 10th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y. Lander has been critical of billionaires and has accused them of "rigging our economy." He has also described himself as an "ally" to the black community and has acknowledged possible white supremacy. Lander has advocated for cutting NYPD's budget by $1 billion and has called for police to suspend arresting criminals and released most inmates at Rikers.
