Rangel Wins Primary in 13th

The 809 Lounge on Dyckman Streetin Inwood is named after the Dominican Republic’s area code. The venue was on the brink of seeing history happen to one of its own on Tuesday, June 26.

Hundreds of supporters, volunteers, and members of the media gathered at 809 to await the results of the Democratic primary for the 13th Congressional District, to see if Adriano Espaillat (D-Inwood) could knock 42-year incumbent Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) from his post in order to become the first Dominican-American in the House of Representatives.

Espaillat’s volunteers campaigned hard throughout the Upper Manhattan/Northwest Bronx district. One of them was Virgilio Aran, 34, an Inwood resident who gave out Espaillat flyers in the heart of Charles Rangel’s Hispanic base —- East Harlem. “Charles Rangel took the last two years to defend himself against allegations,” he said. “Because of that, he hasn’t been able to satisfy the demands of the district.”

While Rangel’s energy was redirected to defend charges against him, there was growing excitement among voters within Espaillat’s main political base, Washington Heights. “I lived here for the past 35 years,” Carlos Leiter said. “Never before has Washington Heights residents come out to vote this strongly.”

Volunteer Ana Lydia Rodriguez, 32, saw this enthusiasm first-hand at 189th Street and Audubon Avenue in Washington Heights. “Once people found out that the primary was today, most of them flew to the polls,” she said. “Two people may have been undecided, but everyone else knew their choice.”

Thirty minutes after the polls closed, Espaillat led Rangel 70-22, with only two percent of the district’s precincts being reported. One of the loudest supporters was Maria Negron, 57, who also volunteered for Espaillat during the primary. “Vamos a ganar!, or we are going to win,” she said.

Some people at 809 felt this lead would silence those who either criticized or had not endorsed Espaillat. “Today, the people get to speak, not the naysayers,” former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer said. Ferrer endorsed Espaillat.

Despite the early lead, people still crossed their fingers and hovered around laptops, cellular phones, and tablets for any result updates. One of those updates struck a chord at 809 as Rangel now led 58-27 with 15 percent reported.

After the lead changed to 52-32 in Rangel’s favor, with half of the precincts being reported, it was announced that the 42-year incumbent will retain his seat. As a television showed Rangel at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, Espaillat supporters at 809 were skeptical. “He was not smiling nor celebrating,” one supporter, who declined to give his name, said.

Around 11:15 p.m., Espaillat made his appearance, along with other pols, to congratulate Rangel on his victory and to celebrate 12 weeks of hard work. “This summer will be remembered as one where Upper Manhattan came together,” he said. “We will not step back from this dream.”

Some of Espaillat’s peers also felt he had a bright future. “The results showed that a significant number of voters wanted a new leader,” former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr. said. “The next election is right around the corner, in 24 months.”