Far-left congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier is facing renewed scrutiny after a series of deleted social media posts resurfaced ahead of New York’s 13th Congressional District Democratic primary. The posts, uncovered by CNN through archived versions of her deleted X account, reveal a long record of statements that have sparked controversy across a wide range of political issues, from policing and immigration to Israel, military spending, and private property rights.
Chevalier, who is challenging longtime incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, has already attracted attention for previous comments that included harsh criticism of former President Joe Biden and inflammatory remarks about the United States. The newly highlighted posts add another layer to an already contentious campaign.
Among the most controversial examples is a 2020 repost referencing the disappearance of Israel. Chevalier responded to the prompt by writing, “Trick question — Israel doesn’t exist!” The comment is now drawing fresh criticism as opponents question her positions on foreign policy and the Middle East.
Her views on immigration and law enforcement have also come under the spotlight. During a burst of social media activity in September 2021, Chevalier argued that a world without borders, police, or prisons was not only possible but necessary. When challenged on whether she was speaking literally, she doubled down, writing that borders should be abolished entirely and that all deportations were wrong.
The archived posts also show Chevalier embracing positions commonly associated with far-left and communist political movements. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she reposted a message calling for the nationalization of hospitals, utilities, and pharmaceutical companies, while also advocating for rent and mortgage suspensions and the seizure of property from landlords. In a separate 2019 post, she wrote simply, “Seize the means of production,” a slogan historically associated with Marxist ideology.
Her rhetoric regarding policing was equally direct. During the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020, Chevalier rejected attempts to soften calls to defund police departments. In one exchange, she stated that the goal was not reform but the complete abolition of policing. Days later, she reinforced that position by declaring, “No more police at all ever.”
Even prominent figures on the political left have found themselves targets of her criticism. Chevalier accused Sen. Bernie Sanders of promoting “liberal Zionism” and criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over her voting record related to Israeli military funding. She also dismissed Sanders’ proposal to cut military spending by 10%, suggesting that only a complete elimination of the defense budget would satisfy her.
Another resurfaced post drew attention for its criticism of U.S. military veterans. In that message, Chevalier mocked the challenges faced by some returning service members and referenced homelessness among veterans while condemning American military actions abroad.
As the controversy grows, Chevalier has attempted to distance herself from the remarks. Responding to CNN, she argued that her opponent was focused on old social media activity rather than present-day issues affecting residents of Manhattan and the Bronx. She stated that she has grown significantly since writing the posts and remains focused on serving her community.
Despite the backlash, support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani remains intact. Mamdani defended his endorsement, portraying Chevalier as a candidate willing to confront corporate interests, challenge landlords, and advocate for working-class New Yorkers.
