Key facts
- Hispanic Caucus members are disappointed by the primary election loss of their chair, Adriano Espaillat.
- The caucus must now consider how to integrate his successor, Darializa Avila Chevalier.
- Espaillat, a decade-long House veteran, is a respected mentor to many caucus members.
- The caucus will also need to elect a new chair for the upcoming Congress.
- Rep. Darren Soto is considered a likely successor for the chair position, but faces a difficult reelection.
Members of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus are expressing disappointment following the primary election loss of their chair, Adriano Espaillat. The caucus now faces the prospect of integrating his successor, Darializa Avila Chevalier, into their ranks, a process that could be complicated by Espaillat's past attempts to join other caucuses and his respected position within the group.
Espaillat himself had previously sought membership in the Congressional Black Caucus after challenging its members in past elections, and was denied. The Hispanic Caucus also denied membership to a Republican lawmaker in 2017. Despite these precedents, current members like Rep. Linda Sanchez and Rep. Delia Ramirez have indicated a willingness to support Chevalier, emphasizing unity and respect for the democratic process.
However, Espaillat's own response to whether Chevalier should be welcomed into the caucus was non-committal, suggesting potential internal divisions. His influence as a decade-long House veteran could play a role in how Chevalier is received. The departure of Espaillat is seen as a significant loss by former chair Nanette Barragán.
Beyond the integration of a new member, the caucus must also select a new chair for the next Congress. Rep. Darren Soto is widely expected to ascend to the position, but his own challenging reelection bid could impact this transition.