A far-left congressional challenger in New York is facing renewed scrutiny over a series of controversial social media posts, including comments that appeared to compare U.S. actions to those of Hamas and remarks that have drawn criticism from political opponents as she seeks to unseat longtime Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic Socialist-backed candidate running in New York’s 13th Congressional District, is campaigning as a progressive alternative to Espaillat, who has represented the district since 2017. But as the primary race intensifies, attention has shifted to a record of online statements that opponents argue raise questions about her judgment.
Among the most controversial comments were posts from June 2021 discussing Hamas and the United States. Responding to another user who wrote that U.S. violence was “categorically incomparable to the worst things Hamas has ever done or ever could do,” Chevalier replied, “Only one is a nuclear power that’s ever used that kind of force.”
The comment appeared to reference the United States’ use of atomic bombs against Japan during World War II. She followed up minutes later by writing, “Not to mention the countless other forms of colonial violence that it’s enacted but you know.”
The posts have resurfaced amid heightened sensitivity surrounding Hamas, which has long been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and many other countries. The group became the focus of global attention following its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,000 people and triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Chevalier also drew criticism for attending a Times Square rally on Oct. 8, 2023, one day after the Hamas attack. The event became controversial after reports that some participants celebrated the assault and displayed antisemitic imagery. Even progressive Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, publicly condemned the gathering.
The congressional candidate has also faced scrutiny for other social media activity over the years. Among the posts cited by critics are comments attacking President Joe Biden, whom she referred to as a “rapist,” despite Biden’s repeated denials of sexual assault allegations made by a former Senate staffer. She also posted profanity directed at former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Other resurfaced posts include comments about race and relationships that generated backlash, as well as statements promoting an alternative theory about the origins of COVID-19 that cited Chinese state media sources.
Chevalier is supported by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and has positioned herself as part of the movement associated with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other progressive elected officials. Her campaign has emphasized housing, economic inequality, and labor issues while attempting to appeal to younger and more left-leaning voters.
Espaillat, however, has responded aggressively. The incumbent’s campaign has released attack advertisements highlighting Chevalier’s social media history and arguing that she lacks the experience and temperament necessary for Congress.
The race has become one of the more closely watched Democratic primaries in New York, reflecting broader tensions within the party between establishment Democrats and insurgent progressive challengers. While Chevalier’s supporters view her as a candidate willing to challenge conventional political thinking, opponents argue that her past statements reveal a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric that could become a liability in a general election.
