NEW ORLEANS, June 27 (DC Times Online) — James Carville said he cannot be in the same party as Darializa Avila Chevalier, a New York congressional candidate described in coverage as backed by Zohran Mamdani, and urged Democrats to talk openly about a party split after a round of New York primary wins.
On a podcast appearance, the veteran Democratic strategist said, “I actually do think it’s time for Democrats to talk ‘the S-word.’ ‘Schism.’ I really do.” He also said, “I’m done,” and added that he was “not in that … political party.”
Carville said he did not want to be in a party “that denies the right of the state of Israel to exist.” He also referred to comments attributed to Avila Chevalier about interracial relationships, saying, “Lady, I ain’t in the same party as you.”
In remarks reported by Fox News, Carville said candidates like Avila Chevalier should “start her own party” and that there was “no place in the party” for them. The Nation reported that he argued Democrats should not seat her in the caucus.
The comments came after New York primary wins by Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander, according to coverage from Fox News, Mediaite and Newser. Those reports said Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Valdez beat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Lander topped Rep. Dan Goldman, but no official tally was included in the material reviewed.
Carville had already written in a New York Times op-ed, as summarized by the Washington Examiner, that the Democratic Party was “steamrolling toward a civilized civil war.” He said it was “necessary” but should be delayed until after the 2026 midterm elections.
