NEW ORLEANS, June 27 (DC Times Online) — James Carville said Democrats should consider a formal schism and said he could not be in the same party as Darializa Avila Chevalier, a New York congressional candidate described in coverage as backed by Zohran Mamdani.
In comments on a 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 added that he was “not in that … political party,” according to the reports.
Carville singled out Avila Chevalier after New York primary wins by candidates tied to the party’s left wing, including Claire Valdez and Brad Lander, as described in the coverage. He said he did not want to be in a party “that denies the right of the state of Israel to exist,” and he also objected to comments attributed to Avila Chevalier about interracial relationships.
He said people with those views should “start your own movement” or “form your own party,” and added, “You’ve got no place at my table.” The Nation reported that he also argued Democrats should not seat Avila Chevalier in the caucus.
Carville had made similar comments in a New York Times op-ed last year, warning of a “civilized civil war” inside the Democratic Party. In that piece, as quoted by the Washington Examiner, he said it was “necessary” but should be delayed until after the 2026 midterm elections.
