NOW PLAYING
Darializa Avila Chevalier on Saturday said she would need to check with the community before backing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for the speakership if Democrats regain the majority.
The democratic socialist, who defeated incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) by winning her primary last week, said she has close ties to New York’s 13th congressional district and would consult them before making moves in the legislature.
“I was really focused on my primary until just last night. I do think that those are types of decisions that you have to really discuss with their community, right” Avila Chevalier said during a Saturday appearance on “The Joy Reid Show.”
“It’s not a question about how any one individual feels personally,” she added. “These are conversations that I’m having with the people who are impacted by these types of decisions.”
If elected, Avila Chevalier would be a part of the Empire State’s congressional delegation led by Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
As new views rise within the Democratic party’s coalition across New York City, Jeffries is getting questioned about socialism dominating the core values of an emerging class of elected officials.
The House Minority leader has brushed aside concerns about the broader wave of change within the party, despite the shift in his home state.
“Her views are clearly not my views, and that should be obvious to everyone in terms of what brings Democrats together,” Jeffries said of Avila Chevalier during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
“We believe that we’ve got to drive down the high cost of living. We’ve got to solve this affordability crisis. It’s not a hoax. There are far too many people in this country who are working hard,” he added.
Democratic socialists have argued their push to back affordable policies for the working class is not radical and aligns with the party’s messaging.
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Adriano Espaillat Chuck Schumer Darializa Avila Chevalier democratic socialism Donald Trump Hakeem Jeffries House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Midterm electionsCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore House News
See All
House House adopts Massie resolution to release records on lawmaker sexual misconduct monetary settlements by Sudiksha Kochi 11 minutes ago House / 11 minutes ago 
