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Far-left Candidate Promotes Controversial COVID-19 Theory Linked to Chinese Propaganda
Mamdani-backed candidate peddled crackpot COVID-19 claim pushed by Chinese communists
New York Post
Image: New York Post
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a congressional candidate backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has been criticized for endorsing a COVID-19 conspiracy theory claiming the virus originated in France. This theory was supported by a Chinese propaganda group, raising concerns about her credibility as she runs against incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York's 13th district.
- 01Darializa Avila Chevalier cited the Qiao Collective, a Chinese propaganda outlet, to support her claim about COVID-19's origins.
- 02State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs criticized Avila Chevalier, stating she is not a serious candidate.
- 03Avila Chevalier's campaign is under scrutiny due to her controversial social media posts, including derogatory remarks about various groups.
- 04The Qiao Collective aims to challenge Western narratives and promote Marxist thought, raising concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics.
- 05Incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who is seeking a sixth term, is considered a serious legislator by his supporters.
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Darializa Avila Chevalier, a far-left congressional candidate in New York's 13th district, has come under fire for promoting a conspiracy theory that COVID-19 originated in France, citing the Qiao Collective, a known Chinese propaganda organization, as her source. This claim, made in a tweet from May 2020, has drawn criticism from State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs, who emphasized the need for serious candidates during critical times. Avila Chevalier is challenging incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who is backed by Jacobs and is regarded as a serious legislator. The Qiao Collective, which describes itself as a grassroots media organization, aims to counter Western media narratives and promote Marxist ideology. In addition to her controversial COVID-19 claims, Avila Chevalier has faced backlash for other inflammatory social media posts, including derogatory comments about various demographics and disrespectful remarks about the American flag. Her campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding these issues.
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The controversy surrounding Avila Chevalier's statements may influence voter perceptions and the outcome of the congressional race.
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