Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair unseated by socialist challenger

Andrew Solender

This is Espaillat — Photo: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) lost his primary Tuesday to democratic socialist challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Associated Press projects.

Why it matters: It's a major blow to the Democratic Party establishment and underscores the liberal grassroots' growing frustration with party leaders.

The race attracted national media attention and millions in outside spending in favor of both candidates.

By the numbers: BOLD America, which received cash from both the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' super PAC and AIPAC's United Democracy Project, was the biggest spender in the race, putting $2.9 million into defending Espaillat, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

CHC's BOLD PAC spent an additional $230,000, with Latino Victory Fund spending $750,000. Several other groups spent big in support of Epsaillat, including Progressive Unity Fund, Project 218 and United for Progress.
The left-wing Justice Democrats put $1.5 million into supporting Avila Chevalier, with American Priorities — a super PAC founded to counter AIPAC — spending another $1.3 million.

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Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair unseated by socialist challenger

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