Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has called for a formal break with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) following their recent primary victories in New York City. Comedian Bill Maher previously asserted that “democratic socialists” are not Democrats. Similarly, Carville—known for his long association with former President Bill Clinton and figures including Jeffrey Epstein—stated DSA candidates do not represent the same political movement as he belongs to.
“This people are not Democrats,” Carville said recently. He cited DSA candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York’s 13th Congressional District for her past remarks about interracial marriage and current stance on the American flag. Avila Chevalier, who won the Democratic primary in NY-13, has called the U.S. an “effing disgrace” and described converting to Islam due to the “grace and love and passion” of Muslim friends advocating social justice. She also stated her goal to reflect Islam in Congress.
Other DSA candidates swept their respective NYC primaries:
– Claire Valdez (NY-7) advocates granting citizenship and voting rights to illegal aliens, using taxpayer funds for all transgender treatments, and eliminating private health insurance.
– Brad Lander (NY-10) supports abolishing ICE, forgiving nearly $2 trillion in student loans, and expanding the Supreme Court.
Carville argued party leaders should “negotiate the terms of a schism” with socialist candidates, describing the situation as a “changing of the guard” for the Democratic Party. Progressive political commentator Van Jones warned the victories signal “a new era in Democratic Party politics,” noting New York City—historically a power center for the establishment—is now a battleground between traditional and left-wing insurgent forces.