WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently issued a severe critique of Darializa Avila Chevalier, a socialist congressional nominee from New York, signaling that a contentious debate might soon unfold within the Democratic Party.
In an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Shapiro (D) did not hold back his reservations. “Her district voted for her, but I have profound differences from that particular candidate,” he stated candidly. There is a clear disparity in values and ideals between Shapiro and Chevalier that he made evident in his comments.
Shapiro elaborated further, suggesting that Chevalier’s views and campaign platform are not aligned with his own. “She’s not someone who seemingly I would agree with on many things or that we share similar values,” he continued. While acknowledging her victory, he pointed out her association with socialism, which he sharply contrasted with his perspectives.
Chevalier’s recent triumph over Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) sent shockwaves through New York’s political landscape. Her victory in the deep blue 13th Congressional District, which includes parts of Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx, marks a significant shift in political sentiment in the area.
Known as a self-described democratic socialist, Chevalier has been vocal about a spectrum of far-left positions. Among these are calls to abolish prisons and eliminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her controversial statements extend to labeling former President Joe Biden a rapist and making inflammatory remarks with national symbols, like her disdainful comment about wiping dirty hands on the American flag.
“I think what our party has to go through that will be very healthy, and something we’ve not really done since the 1992 election cycle, is to have a battle over what we believe in,” Shapiro contended.
Shapiro is widely seen as a comparatively moderate figure within the Democratic Party, though unlike Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), the Pennsylvania governor is careful about picking fights with the far left.
Chevalier campaigned heavily against Israel, an issue that will likely become a problem for Shapiro if he runs for the Democratic presidential nod in 2028.
Shapiro sidestepped a question about how his Jewish identity would impact his prospects of becoming the Democrats’ presidential standard-bearer in two years, given where the party is on Israel.
“I think Pennsylvania is the ultimate swing state,” Shapiro replied when asked. “What I have found in my years of service in government is that the public wants you to be who you are. Be authentic.
“My faith teaches me that no one’s required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it,” he added. “That’s what my faith teaches me. That’s how my family raised me. That is who I am, and I’m not going to apologize for it.”