Lefty NYC group not supporting Mamdani-backed DSA NY-13 candidate over controversial Hamas comments

Key Points:

• The Broadway Democrats, a left-wing political club in Manhattan, endorsed incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat over challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier in the June 23 Democratic primary due to Chevalier's refusal to condemn Hamas and its October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel.
• Chevalier, a Democratic Socialist endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and progressive groups, criticized the focus on condemning Hamas without addressing the long-standing Israeli occupation and Palestinian suffering, calling for investment in local communities rather than military actions abroad.
• The Broadway Democrats acknowledged Israel's controversial actions but emphasized the need for leaders promoting peace and coexistence between Israel and Palestine, rejecting Chevalier's stance as promoting hatred and war.
• Chevalier has a history of activism, including organizing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and participating in demonstrations following the Hamas attacks, which has drawn both support and criticism in her district.
• The primary election in New York’s 13th Congressional District, covering Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, will decide the Democratic nominee in a heavily Democratic area.