Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress, has been revealed to have founded a group in college that called for the total destruction of the West. Chevalier, who was backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, won the primary election in New York’s 13th Congressional District.
Background
According to her biography, Chevalier helped launch the boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaign at Columbia University. The group, known as CUAD, posted on Instagram in 2024 that its goal was the ‘total eradication of Western civilization.’ Chevalier was also interviewed by the Associated Press at the school’s encampment against Israel in 2024.
Chevalier’s affiliation with the group has sparked intense online backlash, including from elected Democrats. Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., expressed his concerns about Chevalier’s views, stating that he refuses to excuse or defend her anti-American and anti-Western sentiments.
Reaction
Columbia University has denounced CUAD, stating that it is not affiliated with the school. Chevalier’s campaign has been reached out to for comment. The revelation of Chevalier’s past has raised questions about her suitability for public office and the values she represents.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.