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Challenger slams Espaillat over surge of AIPAC money
4D AGOUSU.S. REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLATISRAELNY-13 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Challenger slams Espaillat over surge of AIPAC money

What's the gist?

In NY-13's Democratic primary, Rep. Adriano Espaillat and challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier criticized each other over millions of dollars in SuperPAC money, with Espaillat reciving nearly $700,000 from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Context

Espaillat has represented NY-13, covering upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, since 2017. Chevalier is a Columbia PhD student backed by Mamdani. The pair have traded barbs on the incumbent's unwillingness to say Palestinians are experiencing a genocide and the challenger's use of controversial language in old, now-deleted tweets about the situation. AIPAC has directed nearly $150,000 in individual contributions directly to Espaillat, with hundreds of thousands more coming through a variety of AIPAC-affiliated SuperPACs and donor networks. Chevalier has received hundreds of thousands from outside donors as well, including $1 million from pro-Palestinian PAC American Priorities.

Positive takes

Proven Track Record. Espaillat argues that years of experience serving NY-13 through tough times makes him the most qualified to represent the district. He points to concrete work in the community as proof that his incumbency has delivered real results.
Endorsed on Campaign Finance. Espaillat touts his endorsement from End Citizens United as evidence that he genuinely supports reining in outside money — while also noting that candidates cannot legally control what independent groups choose to spend.
Condemning War Crimes. Espaillat says he supports a two-state solution and has spoken out against civilian deaths in Gaza, positioning himself as a more measured voice on the conflict compared to his challenger's past statements and rally attendance.

Negative takes

AIPAC Money Raises Questions. Critics point to over $145,000 in direct AIPAC contributions to Espaillat's campaign this cycle, plus his ties to a pro-Israel fundraising network. Some argue his anti-super PAC rhetoric rings hollow when he benefits from organized pro-Israel donor money.
Red Box Contradiction. Espaillat's own campaign website includes detailed instructions — a so-called "red box" message — telling outside spenders exactly how to help him. This makes it hard to take his calls for campaign finance reform at face value.
Dodging Accountability. Fellow candidate Oscar Romero noted that candidates can disavow super PACs even if they can't legally stop them. Espaillat declined to do so, leaving him open to charges that his opposition to outside money is more talk than action.
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