The long, divisive Democratic primary battle to succeed retiring Congressman Charles Rangel ended with a symbolic meeting at Sylvia’s on Thursday afternoon.
Assemblyman Keith Wright, who ran with the backing of Rangel and the Harlem establishment, conceded to State Sen. Adriano Espaillat after a private meeting inside the restaurant over sweet tea, followed by a meeting with Rangel and supporters of both candidates.
Espaillat’s victory embodies a significant shift of political power in the district from Harlem to Washington Heights and ends a decades-long tradition of the concentration of African American political power in central Harlem. Espaillat is Dominican American, represents Washington Heights and would be the first Dominican elected to Congress.
Outside the restaurant, Wright stood flanked by Rangel, Espaillat and a phalanx of leaders from Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
“I want to congratulate Mr. Espaillat for running a great election,” said Wright. He added, “I want him to be successful. We all need him to be successful.”
Rangel, who twice defeated Espaillat in primary races in 2012 and 2014, offered his own message of unity and congratulations.
While they took no questions, Rangel offered his reflection on what it means for someone outside of Harlem to win this nomination, by citing a list of historical changes to New York City neighborhoods.
“I don’t know how the Italians felt when the Puerto Ricans came to East Harlem, or how the Irish and German Jews felt when the Dominicans went into Washington Heights, or how the Jewish community felt when the Puerto Ricans went into the Bronx, or how the whites in Harlem felt when we came in from Hells Kitchen and moved up in Harlem. But I do know one thing, that’s what America’s all about,” said Rangel. He added, “That’s what change is all about.”
It was a notable shift in tone from primary night on Tuesday, when Rangel said he could not imagine anyone from outside Harlem in the seat.
Since its boundaries were drawn in 1944, the seat has only been held by two African Americans from Harlem – Adam Clayton Powell Jr. until 1970 and then Rangel.
Espaillat spoke graciously of the support he's received from his one-time challengers to tackle the needs of the district.
“We have great challenges for the 13th Congressional District and I know that the mentorship of Congressman Rangel and the friendship I have with Assemblyman Keith Wright, we can make it happen,” said Espaillat.
He also said his victory sends a powerful message to Republicans, particularly the presumed presidential nominee.
“I think the election of Adriano Espaillat is the perfect answer that we need to give to Donald Trump,” said Espaillat. “That an immigrant from New York City gets to go to Congress that came here with no papers, overstayed his visa, is the best message and the best language you can give to Donald Trump.”
