Bill Maher criticized Darializa Avila Chevalier, a socialist candidate backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Friday following her recent victory in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District. Avila Chevalier faced scrutiny over her views on topics such as prisons, deportation, and past anti-American statements made on social media.
During the monologue on his show, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher highlighted Avila Chevalier’s hesitation to affirm whether a convicted murderer should go to prison when questioned by the New York Editorial Board. Maher expressed his concerns, saying, “The New York Times asked her, ‘If someone murders someone randomly, should they go to jail?’ Couldn’t get her to say yes for that.” He continued by stating, “There is a woke mind virus, and I think we found patient zero. Her name is Darializa Avila Chevalier.”
Avila Chevalier, 32, defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., who serves as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, securing 49.4% of the vote compared to Espaillat’s 45.9%. Maher also pointed out Avila Chevalier’s past statements regarding the United States and her reported plan to kneel during the congressional oath. “She also says that the United States, the country she’s running to be a part of, is occupied native land, and says this country, America, is a f—ing disgrace,” Maher stated, adding, “During the oath of office, she’s going to take a knee.”
The New York Editorial Board repeatedly questioned Avila Chevalier on her stance concerning the treatment of murderers under her abolitionist views. While she affirmed that incarceration is the current approach, she did not offer a direct endorsement. Avila Chevalier shared her perspective, saying, “The fact that the murder happened is tragic. The fact that there was a circumstance in which that could even come to pass is tragic, and all of that is a reflection of systems that allowed that circumstance to be possible.”
Moreover, Avila Chevalier stated her opposition to deportations under any circumstances. “I am not OK with any deportation,” she said. “I think all deportation is wrong because I think it is an incredibly cruel punishment that is really only relegated to people on the basis of where they were born.” Her campaign platform includes objectives such as “Abolish ICE,” “Medicare for All,” “Housing for All,” and a “Babies, not Bombs” agenda. Her website highlights her determination to “fight to abolish the deportation machine” and “divest” funds allocated to overseas conflicts.
The New York Times has characterized Avila Chevalier as a candidate who supports policing abolition, border eradication, prison closure, and landlord property seizure. Fox News Digital reached out to Darializa Avila Chevalier for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, joined the digital team in 2026. Womack emphasizes the essential role of journalism in shaping politics and culture. With substantial experience in news media analysis and reporting, Womack graduated from Long Beach State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Journalism. News tips can be sent to [email protected] and you can follow CJ on Twitter.
Leave a Reply