Longtime Rep. Charlie Rangel has survived his primary challenge. The congressman will now proceed to run for his 22nd term. He defeated State Senator Adriano Espaillant and Clyde Williams. Charlie Rangel had the backing of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and State Senator Espaillant had the backing of the New York Post and the New York Times. Rep. Rangel became the first African-American chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He was then censured after being found guilty of 11 counts , including the failure to pay taxes. Due to redistricting, Rep. Rangel’s district had a Hispanic majority. This was favorable to State Senator Espaillant, who had he been elected would have been the first Dominican-American congressman.
