Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has sharply criticized Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic congressional nominee in New York's 13th District, warning of an impending ideological struggle within the Democratic Party.
"Her district voted for her, but I have profound differences from that particular candidate," Shapiro stated Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union." "And she's not someone who seemingly I would agree with on many things or that we share similar values."
Chevalier, a self-described democratic socialist, recently won the Democratic primary against Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Her platform has included stances such as abolishing prisons and eliminating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She has also made controversial statements, including calling former President Joe Biden a "rapist" and posting an image on social media of herself wiping her hands on an American flag, accompanied by the caption, "I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me :)".
I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me :)"
Shapiro, often viewed as a moderate within the Democratic Party, suggested that the party needs to engage in a robust debate about its core beliefs, an internal discussion he believes has not occurred since the 1992 election cycle.
The Pennsylvania governor's remarks come as Chevalier prepares to represent a deep blue district encompassing parts of Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx. Her campaign has included strong opposition to Israel, an issue that could present challenges for Shapiro if he considers a presidential run in 2028.
When questioned about how his Jewish faith might affect his presidential prospects given the party's current stance on Israel, Shapiro emphasized authenticity and his Pennsylvania roots. "I think Pennsylvania is the ultimate swing state," he responded. "What I have found in my years of service in government is that the public wants you to be who you are. Be authentic."
He added, "My faith teaches me that no one's required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it. That’s what my faith teaches me. That’s how my family raised me. That is who I am, and I’m not going to apologize for it."