New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier is benefiting from significant super PAC spending, even as she campaigns on banning super PAC money in elections.American Priorities launched a $500,000 media buy in support of Avila Chevalier, per FEC filings, in her progressive challenge to Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY). The group, which formed to counter pro-Israel advocacy groups, has pledged to spend $2 million in a handful of House races this cycle. Espaillat is backed by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, a group that has become a wedge between the left and center flanks of the Democratic Party. Avila Chevalier has criticized Espaillat throughout the campaign for taking money from AIPAC throughout his career.
“I learned about that super PAC through the New York Times. The money that was being spent there, again, I don’t coordinate with any super PACs,” she told reporters when asked about American Priorities’ involvement in the race.
“If anyone is donating or participating in this campaign in any way, shape, or form, it’s because they believe in the values of this campaign,” she said.
Avila Chevalier has also pledged to “never take a dime from corporate PACs,” according to her campaign website.
