Why New Yorkers Are Struggling: A Conversation with Darializa Avila Chevalier
In this interview episode, Gadiel sits down with Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is running for Congress in New York's 13th Congressional District — representing Harlem, Washington Heights, Kingsbridge, and parts of the Bronx. She is the first Afro-Latina Dominican woman to run for this seat, challenging five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat. Darializa opens by explaining who she is: a daughter of Dominican immigrants, born in the US, raised between New York, Miami, the DR, and Caracas while her parents tried to find stable footing. She's been an organizer for 14 years, working to end sexual violence on campus, fighting mass incarceration, and getting people out of ICE detention. She was working on her PhD in sociology at CUNY when Justice Democrats — the same group that recruited AOC — asked her to run. She thought it was a prank. The conversation digs into the real issues facing NY-13. The district is the second poorest congressional district in New York State. 40% of children live below the poverty line. Rent is $4,000 for a two-bedroom. The district is 88% renters — one of the highest rates in the country. Median income is $57,000 while you need $190,000 to live comfortably in NYC. She's running on a "Babies Not Bombs" platform: redirect the billion dollars a day being spent on the Iran war back into housing, education, healthcare, and childhood poverty reduction. Gadiel asks about AIPAC — Darializa explains how the special interest lobby has given her opponent over $150,000 and has pushed the country toward war while funding politicians on both sides. She also addresses the "democratic socialist" label, explaining it in terms of values rather than titles: if you work every day, you should be able to afford to live. If your kids go to school, it should be a good school. If you pay taxes, you should see where they go. One of the most powerful moments comes when Gadiel shares his own experience trying to get help from Espaillat's office with an SBA loan issue affecting 400,000 people — and getting no response. Darializa reveals that she herself, as an organizer in the district for 14 years, had never substantively spoken to Espaillat until a debate they had that same day. "I don't think people should have to run for office to hear from their representative." Gadiel then asks questions submitted by Trump supporters from the district: about cost of living, the trains getting more expensive and worse, section 8 protections, and help for single mothers. Darializa answers each one directly, connecting the failures people are experiencing to specific policy choices and the influence of corporate money in politics. The episode closes with Darializa's answer to why people should trust her: she's an organizer, not a savior. She doesn't believe one person can fix everything. But she believes that when a community comes together and has someone in Congress willing to use every lever available, they can win the things they deserve. Primary Day is June 23rd. If you live in NY-13, this is the episode to watch before you vote. Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Darializa — first Afro-Latina Dominican woman running for Congress 06:12 — "40% of our kids live in poverty" — housing, ICE & what she'll actually do 15:30 — Democratic socialism explained: not Venezuela, it's your kid going to a good school 25:45 — AIPAC, Espaillat & running for office just to talk to her own congressman 35:00 — Trump supporters from the district ask their questions 🗳️ PRIMARY DAY: June 23rd Follow Darializa: @darilizaforny Website: darilizaforcongress.com
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