Voters Pick New Rep in NY's 13th District
Polls are open in parts of the Bronx and Upper Manhattan as Republican Manuel Williams faces Democratic Socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier in the general election.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
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Voters in New York's 13th Congressional District are casting ballots to elect a new representative for a seat open for the first time in nearly a decade. Democratic Socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the June primary and faces Republican Manuel Williams, an Army veteran.
Why it matters
The race marks a generational and ideological shift in a seat long held by Espaillat, and its outcome will determine who represents the district's Bronx and Upper Manhattan voters. Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsements of three candidates, all of whom won their primaries, are part of the backdrop to the contest.
The seat has been open for the first time in nearly a decade, with polling sites in the district remaining open until 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Vote totals and turnout figures for the general election have not yet been reported.
The players
Darializa Avila Chevalier
A Dominican-American activist and Democratic Socialist who defeated five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the June primary and is running in the general election.
Manuel Williams
An Army veteran and Republican nominee who is a Harlem native and business owner living and working within the district.
Adriano Espaillat
A five-term congressman whose seat is open after he lost the Democratic primary to Avila Chevalier.
Zohran Mamdani
The mayor of New York City, who endorsed three congressional candidates, all of whom won their primaries.
The details
Polling sites in parts of the Bronx and Upper Manhattan opened for voters on Tuesday, with one 25-year-old voter, Steven Monje, arriving more than 30 minutes before his site opened. Avila Chevalier, a Dominican-American activist, advanced to the general election after defeating Espaillat in the Democratic primary, while Williams, a Harlem native and business owner who lives and works within the district, is the Republican nominee.
Timeline
June 2026: Avila Chevalier defeats Espaillat in the Democratic primary.
November 3, 2026: General election voting takes place in the 13th Congressional District.
9 p.m. on November 3, 2026: Polling sites close.
Political Context
Because Espaillat's five-term incumbency ended with a Democratic primary defeat, the November contest is the first time the district's voters choose between a new Democratic Socialist and a Republican in an open seat in nearly a decade. The general election will show whether Mamdani-backed candidates' primary success carries into contested general elections.
Voters in the 13th District will decide who represents them in Congress for the next term, and polling sites close at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Residents of the Bronx and Upper Manhattan who have not yet voted should check their assigned polling site before the deadline.
The takeaway
The open 13th District seat means voters have a rare chance to shape the district's congressional representation after nearly a decade of continuity. Checking polling site hours and assignments before the 9 p.m. closing time can help ensure your vote is counted.
What happens next
Polling sites close at 9 p.m. on November 3, 2026, after which results for the general election will be counted.
Further reading
For broader context on how races like this one are decided, see Elections coverage on Wisevoter.
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