A screenshot circulating online purports to show a social media post by Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic candidate for New York’s 13th Congressional District, stating, “I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me.”
The claim has been verified as true. Chevalier did indeed post this statement on Twitter (now X) on December 23, 2019. The post originated from a personal account that has since been deleted, prior to her entering the political arena. An archived version of the tweet is available through the Wayback Machine.
Chevalier’s personal account was deleted in May 2022, according to records and her own statement. A new account was established in November 2025 to support her congressional campaign.
Responding to the backlash from the resurfaced tweet, Chevalier expressed her sorrow over the pain it caused, explaining her past feelings of abandonment and her subsequent decision to engage in activism rather than remain angry online. She stated her campaign is focused on rebuilding trust and advocating for a “politics of life.”
The resurfaced tweet, along with others from her old account, drew attention from conservative media outlets. These outlets have used the comments to criticize Chevalier and the Democratic Socialists of America, a group she is a member of.
During an interview on May 28, 2026, with Jen Psaki, Chevalier’s endorser Zohran Mamdani highlighted her work in securing the release of individuals from ICE custody and her advocacy for affordability.
CNN also reported on other deleted posts from Chevalier’s old account that critics have used to attack her and Mamdani’s political stances, including sentiments supporting the abolition of police, prisons, and borders.
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