Campaign finance clash dominates Bronx�s 13th District Democratic primary debate

The Bronxs Democratic primary debate for the 13th Congressional District on Bronx Talk centered on campaign finance, with candidates sharply disputing the role of super PACs and outside donors.

In an exchange that repeatedly returned to the matter, incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat said outside money had become central to the contest and argued it showed hypocrisy when opponents criticize "dark money" while benefiting from large ad buys. "You can't say that you're for campaign finance reform and at the same time benefit directly from a super PAC," Espaillat said, referring to press reports about a Texas donor and related ad spending.

Challengers pushed back. Darrelissa Avila Chevalier denied taking corporate PAC money and rebutted specific dollar claims on live television: "That is a blatant lie. The max contribution that an individual can donate to a campaign is $3,500," she said, arguing her campaign is funded by small donors and grassroots organizing. Theo-Chino Tavares called the role of outside money a "cancer" that skews political competition.

The moderator summarized recent reporting that multiple outside groups planned seven-figure spending for and against candidates in the race and asked whether candidates who benefit from those groups can realistically ignore their influence. Avila Chevalier said she controls what goes into her campaign and disavows corporate PAC funding; Espaillat countered that large outside expenditures that support or attack candidates inevitably shape public debate.

Why it matters: The 13th District is among the city's poorest; candidates argued that outside money can drown out the voices of local voters. Espaillat highlighted his appropriations work and ability to direct funds to local institutions; challengers said grassroots support, not megadonors, should set priorities.

The debate did not produce new campaign finance legislation but underscored a central campaign-line: whether candidates will prioritize local accountability or the agendas of outside spenders. The program moved on to foreign policy and other local issues after an extended discussion of PACs and ad buys.

The program closed with reminders about early voting (June 13
'1) and the primary on June 23.