Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee expected to represent New York's 13th Congressional District, intends to focus on practical gains for working people rather than confrontational tactics that lack clear results.
In an interview with Politico published Friday, October 16, 2026, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialists of America member also voiced skepticism about impeaching President Donald Trump.
Avila Chevalier said her congressional approach would center on delivering for constituents in upper Manhattan, including Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood, as well as part of the west Bronx.
She has discussed her priorities with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who could become House speaker if Democrats regain control of the chamber.
"We're here to prove that the left can actually deliver," Avila Chevalier told Politico.
"We are very serious about that and very serious about making sure that we're thinking through our tactics thoughtfully."
Her emphasis on practical results follows a primary victory that disrupted New York's Democratic establishment.
She defeated Rep.
Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary for New York's 13th District, positioning herself as the presumptive winner in the general election against Republican Manuel Williams.
Avila Chevalier, the daughter of Dominican immigrants and a first-time political candidate, received an endorsement from Mayor Mamdani.
She was among three progressive candidates who defeated more moderate opponents in their primaries, alongside Brad Lander and fellow Democratic Socialists of America member Claire Valdez.
Although Jeffries is expected to seek the speaker's position if Democrats win a House majority, Avila Chevalier said she has not concentrated on whether she would support his bid.
Instead, she framed her priority as demonstrating that Democratic control could produce tangible gains for workers nationwide.
"We should be able to show that a Democratic majority is one that's actually fighting for working people across this country," Avila Chevalier said.
Her comments come as a new group of progressive lawmakers prepares to enter Congress after defeating incumbent Democrats in predominantly Democratic urban districts.
The incoming lawmakers have discussed strategy with progressives elected after the 2018 midterm elections, including Rep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, from whom they have received what Avila Chevalier described as incredible advice.
The group is considering ways to use congressional powers more aggressively against Trump and his Republican allies, particularly if Democrats also gain control of the Senate.
However, Avila Chevalier questioned whether impeachment would be an effective way to challenge the president.
She argued that Trump could benefit politically from an impeachment effort because it might energize his Make America Great Again supporters.
Her position reflects a focus on selecting tactics that could exert pressure on the administration rather than adopting a confrontational strategy for its own sake.
"We are going to have to think about what is actually going to hold their feet to the fire," Avila Chevalier said.
Her expected arrival in Congress places her among a growing cohort of younger progressive Democrats seeking to reshape the party's approach to legislative strategy while emphasizing economic concerns affecting working people.
