The Democratic primary in New York’s 13th Congressional District has become one of the more intriguing races of this election season, with longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat facing a serious challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier, who has secured endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city’s chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. The contest has emerged as a test of generational change, shifting demographics in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, the effects of gentrification, and the evolving political influence of the district’s Dominican electorate.
Debralee Santos, editor of the Manhattan Times and Bronx Free Press, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the surprisingly competitive challenge to Espaillat. Their conversation explored the rise of Dominican political power in New York, Chevalier’s controversial past social media posts, Mamdani’s coalition-building strategy, and the role Espaillat’s leadership has played within the Dominican community.
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NY1’s Errol Louis has been interviewing powerful politicians and cultural icons for years, but it’s when the TV cameras are turned off that things really get interesting. From career highlights, to personal moments, to stories that have never been told, join Errol each week for intimate conversations with the people who are shaping the future of New York and beyond. Listen to “You Decide with Errol Louis” every Wednesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.
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