Newly elected New York Democrat seeks seats in both Black and Hispanic Caucuses

Darializa Avila Chevalier, the democratic socialist who unseated New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat in a June primary surprise, plans to seek membership in both the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus after being sworn in. Her campaign disclosed that she has already held discussions with several Black Caucus legislators, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressing enthusiasm about supporting the caucus’s agenda.

Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke issued a statement indicating that established protocols will guide her admission once the new session begins. A staff member from the Hispanic Caucus, which Espaillat previously chaired, affirmed that every new Latino representative is eligible to join. Avila Chevalier’s team also reported conversations with a variety of Hispanic Caucus members, confirming her intention to belong to both groups.