Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old Democratic Socialist, has been elected to the House of Representatives in New York's 13th Congressional District, which includes Harlem and the Bronx. Chevalier secured a decisive victory with 87.5 percent of the vote against her Republican challenger, Jomo Williams.
Chevalier's platform included advocating for the abolition of police and prisons, and she has previously expressed views against deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes. She has also been critical of President Joe Biden, referring to him as a "rapist and war criminal."
In past social media posts, which have since been deleted, Chevalier voiced support for "ending policing full stop" and "abolishing the border." She also made controversial remarks regarding white women and suggested an interest in "the pyromania associated with anarchism."
Chevalier joins other progressive lawmakers, including Claire Valdez and Brad Lander, who also won House seats in New York City. Her election marks a significant shift to the left in the district. Chevalier was seen at her victory party wearing a Keffiyeh, a symbol often associated with Palestinian solidarity.
During her campaign, Chevalier attempted to moderate some of her more extreme public statements, though her past remarks have drawn considerable attention. Her election places her as a prominent progressive voice in Congress.