At Spectator, we've been following the race for Congressional District 13 with interest, as incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel faces what has been by all accounts one of the toughest races of his four-decade career. But the battle for the seat representing Harlem, Washington Heights, and part of the Bronx is being closely watched across the city and the country. As there is no Republican candidate in the race, today's Democratic primary virtually determines the next congressman.
While Rangel is still considered the favorite, he has some formidable challengers, particularly in State Senator Adriano Espaillat, who's younger and has been very visible in Washington Heights, which he represents in Albany. Espaillat has made no secret of the fact that he would be the first Dominican-American member of the House if elected, an asset that could work to his favor, considering that Hispanics make make up the majority of the voting-age population, at 52.7 percent, in the redrawn district.
