Carville calls for formal ‘schism’ with socialist candidates: ‘Can’t be in the same party’

Democratic strategist James Carville this week urged socialists in the Democratic Party to split off and create their own political movement, arguing the policies they favor are not in line with mainstream voters. 

During one of the latest episodes of his podcast, Politics War Room, Carville weighed in on the rise of socialism in New York, where three socialist-linked candidates clinched decisive Democratic primary victories on Tuesday. Following in line with liberals such as late-night host Bill Maher, Carville expressed concern that Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Brad Lander have embraced antisemitic positions out of line with the establishment, among other policies. 

“Everybody’s always said, ‘No, no, we’re coalition. We’re a big tent,’” he said. “And there’s some — there’s just some s— that I can’t be in the same tent with,” he said on his podcast. “Let’s negotiate a terms of a schism here. Maybe we can part under some kind of advantageous terms for both of us, but I’m done. And I’m not in that f—ing political party.”

Carville praised progressive leaders such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who is closely linked to the growing socialist movement in New York and across the country. But he said that more radical anti-capitalist members of the movement, including Avila Chevalier, have no place in the Democratic Party. Avila Chevalier has declined to say if murderers should go to jail, is against deporting anyone from the U.S., and has refused to confirm if she believes Israel should exist as a country.

Tuesday’s election shone a spotlight on nuances within the Democratic Party’s progressive movement. Ocasio-Cortez did not endorse Avila Chevalier, Valdez, or Landers, despite being one of the most powerful progressives in the country. But New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom Ocasio-Cortez played a pivotal role in helping become the first socialist leader in the country’s largest city, did, backing all three candidates. Though she split with her political ally on the races, Ocasio-Cortez has sought to walk a fine line, defending Avila Chevalier following the election as someone with “a sense of responsibility.” 

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, celebrates with Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier during an election night watch party Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Carville argued that Avila-Chevalier and those with similar views should carve out their own movement.

 “She has attacked interracial relationships and the American flag. Lady, I ain’t in the same party as you. I’m sorry,” he said.  “I’m just not, and I actually do think it’s time for Democrats to talk ‘the S-word.’ ‘Schism.’ I really do.”

“I am totally comfortable in a political party that spends time questioning the policies of the government of Israel,” Carville explained. “In fact, I’m enthusiastic about that. I don’t want to be in a political party that denies the right of the state of Israel to exist. That’s just not — I just can’t do that. I’m sorry. It’s just not doable.”

Carville previously said during a NewsNation interview that the House Democratic Caucus should refuse to seat Avila Chevalier if she wins the election in November. 

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“She’s not a Democrat,” he said on Wednesday. “Her views are totally against anything that any Democrat has. We believe in pluralism.” 

“All of these people hate Democrats,” the Democratic strategist warned. “Why do you want to run as a Democrat? Start your own movement. If it’s such a powerful, sweeping movement that’s got momentum everywhere, then go ahead and be at the head of it. Don’t use the Democratic Party to advance it.”

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