The Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District, centred in the Bronx, pits incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat against challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier. Espaillat, a Dominican‑American Christian who has served since 2017, faces his most competitive primary to date.
Mayor Mamdani’s Endorsements and Controversial Remarks
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed Chevalier as well as city council candidates Brad Lander and Clare Valdez, all described as anti‑corporate progressives opposed to Israel. At a rally with Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani warned that the current era is defined by monsters and invoked the pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC in a way that suggested a conspiracy threatening democracy and referencing genocide. The remarks have been condemned by Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who said they echo the oldest antisemitic conspiracy theory. Representative Josh Gottheimer added that replacing the name of the pro‑Israel lobby with the term Jews makes the comment dangerous.
Accusations of Ethnic Manipulation
Former Dominican energy minister Pelegrín Castillo posted on social media that Mamdani intends to alter the district’s ethnic makeup by increasing Haitian and other minority voter participation. Castillo warned voters of Dominican heritage to remain vigilant and alleged that Mamdani is proposing a Muslim challenger to Espaillat.
Racism Claims and Community Response
Brooklyn councilmember Chi Ossé publicly condemned Castillo’s post, describing it as anti‑Black racism directed at Haitians and denouncing the use of the term Haitian as an insult. Ossé also said he condemns any racism coming from Espaillat’s campaign.
The controversy recalls a 1937 incident in which a large number of Haitians were killed in the Dominican Republic, a historical trauma that resurfaces in the current debate.
Political Context
Harlem, once represented by Charles Rangel for 46 years, now falls within a majority‑Hispanic district after recent redistricting. The primary, with early voting ending on 23 June and the election on 25 June, is seen as the first major test of Mamdani’s political influence since his unexpected mayoral victory the previous year. His backed candidates are portrayed as anti‑corporate progressives and face opposition from the Democratic establishment, leading to disagreements with moderate Democrats on issues such as Israel policy and tax priorities.