Darializa Ávila Chevalier, a 32-year-old activist of Dominican origin, has been elected to the US House of Representatives in New York's 13th congressional district. She is a representative of a new generation of Democratic officials who have emerged from social movements. Ávila Chevalier's background is rooted in social activism, having grown up in a family of Dominican immigrants in Florida and later studying at Columbia University in New York.
Ávila Chevalier's professional experience includes working with organizations that defend immigrant rights and providing legal defense services in Harlem. She has also participated in student mobilizations in support of the Palestinians, an engagement that has become one of the topics of debate in her campaign. Her campaign focused on the economic difficulties faced by residents of northern Manhattan and the Bronx, particularly the cost of housing and access to public services.
On June 23, 2026, Ávila Chevalier won the Democratic primary against incumbent representative Adriano Espaillat, who had been in office since 2017. She secured 49.5% of the vote, compared to Espaillat's 45.7%. This result paved the way for her candidacy, which was supported by the Democratic Socialists of America and Zohran Mamdani.
Ávila Chevalier's election on November 3, 2026, saw her defeat Republican candidate Jomo Williams, according to CBS News projections. Her stated priorities include strengthening tenant protections, universal access to healthcare, and reforming migration policies, including the abolition of the federal ICE agency. Her election reflects the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates in certain New York congressional districts.
Ávila Chevalier's victory is seen as a significant milestone in her career, which has transitioned from activism to electoral politics. As a member of Congress, she will be required to translate her activist commitments into legislative proposals and work within a House where decisions will depend on parliamentary dynamics. Her age and background make her a notable figure in American politics.
Starting in January 2027, Ávila Chevalier will take office as a member of the US House of Representatives. Her election has sparked interest in her potential to influence policy and represent the interests of her constituents. Key statistics related to her election include her age (32), the congressional district she represents (13th), and her primary election results (49.5% of the vote).
Key points
- Darializa Ávila Chevalier is a 32-year-old Afro-Latina activist elected to the US House of Representatives in New York's 13th congressional district.
- Ávila Chevalier's campaign focused on economic difficulties faced by residents of northern Manhattan and the Bronx, including housing costs and access to public services.
- Her election reflects the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates in certain New York congressional districts.
