Bill Maher, host of Real Time, criticized Darializa Avila Chevalier following her victory in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13th Congressional District. Backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Chevalier faced scrutiny for her comments on prisons, deportation, and historical anti-American social media posts.
During his monologue, Maher focused on Chevalier’s reluctance to endorse incarceration for a convicted murderer in a New York Editorial Board interview. Maher highlighted her noncommittal response when asked whether a murderer should be jailed, labeling Chevalier a representation of what he called the “woke mind virus.”
“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,” Maher said.
Chevalier, aged 32, defeated incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, during Tuesday’s primary, securing 49.4% of the votes compared to Espaillat’s 45.9%.
Maher also referenced Chevalier’s statements concerning the United States, mentioning her intentions to kneel during the congressional oath and her views of the country as “occupied native land.”
“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 noted.
Chevalier’s campaign platform advocates for abolishing ICE, implementing Medicare for All, and promoting policies under the slogan “Babies, not Bombs.” Her website outlines goals to dismantle deportation processes and redirect funds from foreign wars.
The New York Times has characterized Avila Chevalier as a candidate who favors abolishing police, borders, and prisons, alongside property seizure from landlords.
Responses from Chevalier to requests for comment were not immediately available, according to Fox News Digital. CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, contributed to the coverage and highlighted the essential role of journalism in political and cultural discourse. Womack, a Long Beach State University graduate, offers his insights into the news media.