Mamdani Endorses Espaillat Challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier, Breaking Last-Summer Handshake Pledge — Hispanic Caucus "Outrageous," Velázquez Cites Broken Promise

Summary

Mamdani backed DSA-aligned organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier over Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, despite a private handshake pledge last summer to back Espaillat in exchange for Espaillat's general-election endorsement (per Espaillat confiding in Nydia Velázquez). CHC reaction sharp: Rep. Juan Vargas (CA) called it "outrageous," Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán hit Mamdani for endorsing against the caucus chair leading the fight on Trump immigration policy. Velázquez publicly cited the broken promise; one Council member: "Now we know his word isn't worth anything." Part of a basketball-themed Knicks Game 1 post-game ad alongside Brad Lander, Claire Valdez. Early voting Jun 13–21; Primary Day Tue Jun 23.

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