Espaillat Aide’s Islamophobic Remarks Spark Backlash in NYC Dem Primary

A former senior adviser to Rep. Adriano Espaillat made racist and Islamophobic remarks about his Democratic primary challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier in Spanish-language media, accusing her of plans to replace Dominican Washington Heights residents with Haitians and Muslims. Espaillat condemned the comments, while Avila Chevalier faced online attacks and calls for unity from supporters. The incident underscores tensions around identity in New York City’s 2026 congressional race.