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Mayor Mamdani Endorses DSA Candidate for New Yorks 13th Congressional District
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly endorsed Democratic Socialist of America candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier for New York’s 13th congressional district, a move that has drawn attention amid a crowded Democratic primary scheduled for June 23, 2026. Chevalier, a 32‑year‑old public defender, has previously attracted controversy for social‑media posts that criticized U.S. veterans, police and the federal government. The posts, which were deleted after they surfaced, included remarks describing the United States as a “f‑ing disgrace” and calling veterans “war criminals.” The mayor’s endorsement came during a media event at early‑voting booths in the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side.
Mamdani, who was elected mayor in November 2025 as a member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, said he considered Chevalier “the perfect candidate” for the seat. He also announced support for two other Democratic candidates in separate districts: Claire Valdez, a Queens assemblywoman running for the 7th district, and former city comptroller Brad Lander, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th district. The mayor declined to disclose how he voted in the race to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler of the 12th district, stating he would keep his vote between himself, the ballot, and the pen.
The 13th district covers northern Manhattan and the West Bronx and is one of the most Democratic districts in the state, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+21. Incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who has served since 2017, is seeking a sixth term. Chevalier’s campaign is backed by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, which has more than 14,000 members and has endorsed several elected officials in recent years. Chevalier’s candidacy has been criticized by some voters and political observers for her past statements, but her supporters argue that her platform aligns closely with the mayor’s progressive agenda, which includes universal childcare, fare‑free city buses and a $30 minimum wage by 2030.
Mamdani’s endorsement of Chevalier follows a broader pattern of the mayor’s involvement in Democratic primaries. Earlier this year he endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for re‑election, a move that was seen as a way to bring progressive support to the governor’s campaign. The mayor’s public backing of left‑leaning candidates has been described by some analysts as part of an effort to shift the Democratic Party toward more radical positions.
The primary election will take place on June 23, 2026, and the winner is expected to win the November general election in a district that is overwhelmingly Democratic. The race has attracted significant attention from local media, community groups and political observers. As the campaign season progresses, voters in the 13th district will weigh the contrasting platforms of Chevalier and Espaillat, as well as the broader implications of the mayor’s endorsements for the future of New York City politics.
At this time, no official statements have been released by Chevalier’s campaign regarding the mayor’s endorsement, and Espaillat’s campaign has not responded. The New York State Board of Elections has confirmed that the primary will be conducted under the state’s closed‑party system, meaning only registered Democrats may vote. The outcome of the primary will determine the Democratic nominee for the seat, which is likely to be the de‑facto winner in the general election.
The mayor’s public statements and endorsements have sparked debate among voters and political commentators about the influence of city leadership on congressional races. As the primary approaches, observers will continue to monitor how the candidates’ messages resonate with the district’s diverse electorate, and whether the mayor’s support translates into electoral success.
Mamdani, who was elected mayor in November 2025 as a member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, said he considered Chevalier “the perfect candidate” for the seat. He also announced support for two other Democratic candidates in separate districts: Claire Valdez, a Queens assemblywoman running for the 7th district, and former city comptroller Brad Lander, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th district. The mayor declined to disclose how he voted in the race to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler of the 12th district, stating he would keep his vote between himself, the ballot, and the pen.
The 13th district covers northern Manhattan and the West Bronx and is one of the most Democratic districts in the state, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+21. Incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who has served since 2017, is seeking a sixth term. Chevalier’s campaign is backed by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, which has more than 14,000 members and has endorsed several elected officials in recent years. Chevalier’s candidacy has been criticized by some voters and political observers for her past statements, but her supporters argue that her platform aligns closely with the mayor’s progressive agenda, which includes universal childcare, fare‑free city buses and a $30 minimum wage by 2030.
Mamdani’s endorsement of Chevalier follows a broader pattern of the mayor’s involvement in Democratic primaries. Earlier this year he endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for re‑election, a move that was seen as a way to bring progressive support to the governor’s campaign. The mayor’s public backing of left‑leaning candidates has been described by some analysts as part of an effort to shift the Democratic Party toward more radical positions.
The primary election will take place on June 23, 2026, and the winner is expected to win the November general election in a district that is overwhelmingly Democratic. The race has attracted significant attention from local media, community groups and political observers. As the campaign season progresses, voters in the 13th district will weigh the contrasting platforms of Chevalier and Espaillat, as well as the broader implications of the mayor’s endorsements for the future of New York City politics.
At this time, no official statements have been released by Chevalier’s campaign regarding the mayor’s endorsement, and Espaillat’s campaign has not responded. The New York State Board of Elections has confirmed that the primary will be conducted under the state’s closed‑party system, meaning only registered Democrats may vote. The outcome of the primary will determine the Democratic nominee for the seat, which is likely to be the de‑facto winner in the general election.
The mayor’s public statements and endorsements have sparked debate among voters and political commentators about the influence of city leadership on congressional races. As the primary approaches, observers will continue to monitor how the candidates’ messages resonate with the district’s diverse electorate, and whether the mayor’s support translates into electoral success.
