Espaillat Fights June 23 Primary Challenge in NYC as Harlem Emerges as Deciding Battleground
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5
Espaillat Fights June 23 Primary Challenge in NYC as Harlem Emerges as Deciding Battleground
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5
Summary
June 23 looms over one of New York City’s fiercest Democratic primaries, with Rep. Adriano Espaillat trying to fend off a well-funded challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier.
Harlem could decide the race because it remains a high-turnout political base, even though Espaillat’s district has long been shaped by tensions over Black and Dominican political power.
Espaillat’s recent appearance at a Harlem church memorial for the wife of Manhattan leader Keith L.T. Wright signaled a possible thaw in a feud dating to 2016, when Espaillat beat Wright for the House seat.
The contest reflects a broader Democratic split in the city, as younger activists target incumbents they accuse of being too close to corporate donors, real estate interests and Israel.