Adriano Espaillat and Darializa Ávila vie for New York's 13th District Democratic primary

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY‑13) joined New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other leaders at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, emphasizing the community’s cultural and political contributions as early voting for the district’s Democratic primary began.

The primary contest pits the incumbent Espaillat against progressive challenger Darializa Ávila Chevalier. A Data for Progress poll recorded Ávila at 39% support, Espaillat at 35%, with 22% of voters undecided. Analysts note Espaillat’s entrenched political network and labor backing, while Ávila’s campaign has drawn attention for statements on Dominican‑Haitian relations, sparking debate within the Dominican diaspora. The race highlights a generational clash within one of the largest Dominican communities abroad and will decide the party’s nominee for the June 23 primary.