Avila Chevalier Leads Espaillat 39%-35% in NY-13 Primary as Mamdani Allies Gain Ground
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 22
Avila Chevalier Leads Espaillat 39%-35% in NY-13 Primary as Mamdani Allies Gain Ground
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 22
Summary
A June Data for Progress poll for Darializa Avila Chevalier’s campaign put the 32-year-old challenger ahead of five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat 39% to 35% in New York’s 13th District Democratic primary.
The shift followed a March internal poll that had Espaillat leading 42% to 28%, suggesting momentum for a progressive challenge backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Justice Democrats.
Avila Chevalier has argued Espaillat failed to improve conditions in the deep-blue district, citing 35% child poverty in NY-13 and a broader exodus of more than 200,000 Black New Yorkers from the city over two decades.
Espaillat, who has represented the district since 2017 and endorsed Andrew Cuomo before later backing Mamdani, has cast Avila Chevalier as too inexperienced for Congress.
Tuesday’s primary has become a test of whether Mamdani’s post-mayoral win influence can help unseat established New York Democrats in closely watched House races.
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NY-13 Democratic Primary 2026: Progressive Surge vs. Establishment Power in a High-Stakes, Divided Race
Overview
New York City's Democratic primary, set for June 23, 2026, is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race defined by sharp ideological divides and intense competition for key demographic groups. With early voting ending just days before, thousands have already cast their ballots, but a significant number of undecided voters remain. In the final hours, candidates are focusing their efforts on persuading these undecided voters, knowing they could decide the outcome. The race highlights not only the differences in political philosophy but also the importance of last-minute mobilization in such a close and pivotal election.