Socialist New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier is facing renewed criticism over a deleted Twitter account where she expressed support for communism, Marxism, and Soviet figures. The account, Darializabonet, was active until June 2022 and included posts calling Karl Marx a 'must read,' criticizing libraries for lacking Marxist literature, and quoting convicted cop killer Assata Shakur.
Avila Chevalier, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has previously faced scrutiny for deleted posts calling to abolish the police and discussing wiping her hands on an American flag. Critics, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), have condemned her views, with Fetterman calling the Democratic Party an 'orgy of socialism' during a Fox News appearance.
Mamdani has stood by Avila Chevalier, despite the resurfaced posts. Other critics, such as UPenn student Eyal Yakoby and CNN commentator Scott Jennings, have labeled her 'radical' and questioned the distinction between democratic socialism and communism.
Avila Chevalier has not publicly addressed the latest controversy.