Super PAC spends $500,000 in campaign against pro-Israel Democrat
Darializa Avila Chevalier,a progressive congressional candidate in New York,is gaining support from a large super PAC spending effort despite campaigning to ban super PAC money. Teh group American Priorities reportedly launched a $500,000 media buy for her, according to Federal Election Commission filings, as she challenges incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The super PAC is tied to efforts countering pro-Israel advocacy groups,and funding backing Espaillat is said to come from the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC),wich Avila Chevalier has criticized. She has said she does not coordinate with super PACs and claims any participation is based on the campaign’s values, adding that she has pledged to never take funds from corporate PACs.
Late last month, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Avila Chevalier, possibly reshaping the race. Avila Chevalier and Mamdani also appeared together in an NBA finals-related ad. Meanwhile, Espaillat continues to receive support from major Democratic organizations, including the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus, and also groups like Latino Victory Fund and BOLD America.
New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier is benefiting from significant super PAC spending, even as she campaigns on banning super PAC money in elections.
American Priorities launched a $500,000 media buy in support of Avila Chevalier, per FEC filings, in her progressive challenge to Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY).
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The group, which formed to counter pro-Israel advocacy groups, has pledged to spend $2 million in a handful of House races this cycle. Espaillat is backed by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, a group that has become a wedge between the left and center flanks of the Democratic Party. Avila Chevalier has criticized Espaillat throughout the campaign for taking money from AIPAC throughout his career.
“I learned about that super PAC through the New York Times. The money that was being spent there, again, I don’t coordinate with any super PACs,” she told reporters when asked about American Priorities’ involvement in the race.
“If anyone is donating or participating in this campaign in any way, shape, or form, it’s because they believe in the values of this campaign,” she said.
Avila Chevalier has also pledged to “never take a dime from corporate PACs,” according to her campaign website.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed the 32-year-old Avila Chevalier late last month in a move that could shake up the race. Allies of Espaillat, the first Dominican American elected to the House and formerly an illegal immigrant before returning to the Dominican Republic for his green card, said Mamdani promised to endorse the five-term lawmaker, the New York Times reported.
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Avila Chevalier appeared in a joint ad with Mamdani ahead of Game 1 of the NBA finals this week. The ad also features other New York City congressional candidates endorsed by Mamdani.
Espaillat has significant backing from Democratic groups, including the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Both political organizations the Latino Victory Fund and BOLD America have pledged to back him as well.
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