Two New York City-based House candidates endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani are reportedly planning to vote against the Department of Homeland Security budget if elected, a move that could jeopardize more than $215 million in anti-terror funding for the city. Darializa Avila-Chevalier and Claire Valdez, both leading Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates, are allegedly working with members of the progressive "Squad" in Congress on a strategy to oppose the DHS budget next year.
Sources indicate that the aim of this potential opposition is to establish a stronger socialist bloc within Congress. This plan, however, could put Mamdani, who has publicly advocated for such funding, in a difficult position. He has previously criticized the federal government for not providing sufficient resources for New York City's security.
Avila-Chevalier, who won the Democratic primary for New York's 13th congressional district, which includes parts of Manhattan and the Bronx, and Valdez, who secured the Democratic primary for New York's 7th congressional district covering parts of Brooklyn and Queens, are both expected to win their general election races in November.
The funding at the center of the dispute is the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). Established in 2003 following the September 11th attacks, UASI provides grants to high-profile urban areas to help prevent terrorist attacks. New York City relies on this funding for critical resources.
Mamdani has been a vocal proponent of UASI, joining Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Tish James in decrying past administrations for withholding funds. He recently emphasized the necessity of this funding for essential services such as bomb squads and ensuring effective communication and response capabilities for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) during catastrophic events. He also highlighted the need for training and equipment for first responders to handle radiological threats.
Reports suggest that Avila-Chevalier and Valdez have been attempting to keep their plans discreet due to potential friction with DSA official Tascha Van Auken, who leads the mayor's office of mass engagement. A federal legislative source expressed concern that the candidates' actions could negatively impact New York City financially, compromise the safety of first responders, and harm their constituents, stating it runs counter to the "never forget" sentiment.
