Mamdani Weighs Backing 32-Year-Old Avila Chevalier Against Espaillat After Prior Pledge
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Mamdani Weighs Backing 32-Year-Old Avila Chevalier Against Espaillat After Prior Pledge
5 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Zohran Mamdani is seriously considering endorsing Darializa Avila Chevalier in her Democratic primary challenge to Representative Adriano Espaillat, according to people familiar with the talks.
The possible switch would reverse Mamdani’s pledge last year to support Espaillat, made after the congressman dropped Andrew Cuomo and backed Mamdani following his mayoral primary win.
Espaillat, 71, is confronting a tougher-than-usual re-election race against Avila Chevalier, 32, an organizer and democratic socialist nearly 40 years younger.
The contest reflects demographic and ideological shifts in Upper Manhattan, the same forces that helped Espaillat unseat a longtime Black political power center 10 years ago.
What does a mayor's wavering endorsement signal about the city's shifting political landscape?
Can a veteran's community ties withstand a challenger's new-wave grassroots campaign?