About this episode

The episode discusses the competitive Democratic primary in New York's 13th Congressional District, focusing on the challenge to incumbent Adriano Espaillat and the rise of Dominican political power.

The Democratic primary in New York's 13th Congressional District has become one of the more intriguing races of this election season, with longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat facing a serious challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier, who has secured endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. The contest has emerged as a test of generational change, shifting demographics in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, the effects of gentrification, and the evolving political influence of the district's Dominican electorate. Debralee Santos, editor of the Manhattan Times and Bronx Free Press, joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the surprisingly competitive challenge to Espaillat. Their conversation explored the rise of Dominican political power in New York, Chevalier's controversial past social media posts, Mamdani's coalition-building strategy, and the role Espaillat's leadership has played within the Dominican community.

People in this episode

Host: Errol Louis

Guest: Darializa Avila Chevalier

Topics covered

• New York politics
• Democratic primary
• generational change
• Dominican electorate
• gentrification

Keywords

• New York
• Democratic primary
• Adriano Espaillat
• Darializa Avila Chevalier
• Dominican electorate
• gentrification
• political influence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Democratic Socialists of America, Manhattan Times, Bronx Free Press

Places: New York, Upper Manhattan, Bronx

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• Patrick Gaspard: Mamdani and Obama adviser weighs in on the problem with Democrats · June 18, 2026 · 38 min
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