NEW ORLEANS, June 27 (DC Times Online) — James Carville said Democrats should consider a formal split after New York primary wins by candidates he singled out on a podcast, saying he could not be in the same party with Darializa Avila Chevalier.
Speaking on the Politicon podcast, 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 “I’m not in that … political party.”
Carville singled out Avila Chevalier, who was described as backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and 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,” and adding that “we believe in pluralism, she doesn’t believe in interracial dating.”
He said Democrats who disagree with those positions should “negotiate the terms of a schism,” “start your own movement” or “form your own party.” The Nation reported that he also argued Avila Chevalier should not be seated in the caucus.
The remarks came after New York Democratic primary wins by Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander. In a July 2025 New York Times op-ed, Carville wrote that Democrats were “steamrolling toward a civilized civil war” and said it was “necessary,” but should be delayed until after the 2026 midterms.
