Locals traversed the windswept streets of Harlem this afternoon to hear State Senator Adriano Espaillat announce his bid to become Harlem's next representative in Congress, which would be a big deal for many reasons. Not only would Espaillat become the first Dominican-born Congressman in US history, but he would also be the first new Congressman for Harlem in 43 years.
Needless to say, Espaillat's growing prominence is indicative of Harlem's transformation into an increasingly Latino neighborhood. 83-year-old Rep. Charles Rangel is intent on securing a 23rd consecutive term (he beat Espaillat by a mere thousand votes last term), but this time he may face a run for his money.
The proceedings took place in the cavernous main hall of the United Palace Theater, and energy levels were high as Espaillat took to the podium. Shifting effortlessly between English and Spanish, his speech focused primarily on the struggle to keep New York affordable despite the city's unbridled real estate market. After taking a quick jab at New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ("We build bridges, we don't close them"), the Senator jumped into his speech, outlining an agenda he described as "a big tent approach to politics, as big as this room or bigger." This would include an emphasis on immigration reform, championing low-income housing, as well as boosting the growth of small, minority owned businesses.
Espaillat repeatedly emphasized how unaffordable, skyrocketing rents are "a common theme throughout the district," adding that life in New York City—whose streets he was once told as a boy in the Dominican Republic were "paved with gold"—has "turned into a nightmare." With a plain-spoken, matter-of-fact delivery and a Harlem background that stretches back two decades, it's easy to see why Espaillat has been gaining momentum with many local residents.
He kept criticisms of Rangel to a minimum, however, focusing instead on his own agenda. Rangel, who had been censured three years ago for numerous ethics violations, justified his plan to run for reelection late last year by saying that "The President needs an ally who commands the attention of Congress when he speaks."
But Espaillat supporters say Rangel has run his course.
"It's been 40 years," said Harlem native Julie Santos, "What he's done has been done and I think Espaillat has more promise." Local resident Judy Varagas expressed similar sentiments, stating bluntly that Rangel's "time is up." Harlem native Carmen Correa was perhaps the most direct: "[Rangel's] a senior, isn't he supposed to retire?"
Espaillat boasted a number of endorsements today, including Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez (who joined him at the podium), Assemblymember Gabriela Rosa, and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who said in a statement, "Adriano understands the economic challenges New Yorkers are facing, and will bring enthusiastic leadership to Washington on the issues that matter. He will unite our district in support of the change we need, and I look forward to working with him as a Congressman."
