Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has publicly disavowed Darializa Avila Chevalier, a socialist candidate who secured a surprising primary victory in New York's 13th Congressional District, arguing her political platform is fundamentally at odds with the Democratic Party. Carville suggested Chevalier should form her own political movement rather than align herself with Democrats.
Chevalier, who was backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has garnered attention for her past activism, including co-founding a college group that advocated for the "total eradication of Western civilization." In an interview with NewsNation, Carville stated that Chevalier should not be seated within the Democratic caucus, asserting her views are antithetical to Democratic principles.
"She is not a Democrat, okay?" Carville told NewsNation host Elizabeth Vargas. "That is pretty clear, and frankly, I think a lot of Democrats feel like I do. I don’t have any power, just an old washed-up consultant, but I wouldn’t seat her! This is not who we are!"
Carville specifically cited Chevalier's past stances, including calls to abolish ICE and the police, halt all deportations, and her descriptions of veterans as war criminals, as reasons for his strong opposition. He contended that if Chevalier's movement is as potent as she claims, she should lead it independently.
"Why do you want to run as a Democrat?" Carville questioned. "Start your own movement! If it’s such a powerful, sweeping movement that’s got more momentum everywhere, then go ahead, be at the head of it, don’t use the Democratic Party to advance it. We don’t have any interest in it."
When the discussion turned to rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party, Carville drew a distinction between criticizing Israeli government policies and rejecting Israel's right to exist. He described the latter as unacceptable.
"It’s disgusting, OK? And you’ve got to be careful not to conflate two things," Carville warned. "You can be hugely ‘anti-’ the policies of the government of Israel, which I would describe myself as one, but when you say ‘I don’t think Israel should exist,’ then I don’t have room for ya."
He emphasized that while criticism of Israeli policies, settlements, or strategic responses is permissible, opposition to Israel's existence or Jewish people as a group is beyond the pale. Carville concluded that individuals with such views should not be seated in Congress, suggesting it is a politically prudent move.
Carville reiterated his belief that while individuals have the right to express their political views, they should not do so under the banner of the Democratic Party if their ideology diverges significantly. He characterized more extreme positions, such as "abolish everything and, you know, ‘free Palestine,’" as "insane."