A Harlem minister is going to take on veteran Rep. Charles Rangel — creating a three-way primary race that could put the 22-term incumbent in peril, political sources said.
The Rev. Michael Walrond, pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem and ministries director of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, plans to announce his candidacy Wednesday at a Harlem press conference.
Rangel, 83, just beat back a strong primary challenge in 2012 against state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, who is certain to run again. Other contenders may also enter the race.
Insiders say Walrond, whose large Harlem congregation provides a solid base of support, could peel away enough black votes from Rangel to throw the race to Espaillat.
“This could be a very close race,” said political consultant Hank Sheinkopf. “This will be a door-to-door, take-no-prisoners battle.”
Sharpton took a neutral approach to the race — even though Walrond is one of his confidants.
“It’s going to be an exciting race. It’s going to be a very serious race. All three are going to go for the gusto,” Sharpton said.
“Walrond is clearly hungry and energetic and wants to serve the community in elective office. Espaillat nearly won last time and thinks he can win this time. Rangel wants to go out a winner.”
The Democratic primary election is June 24.
Realizing he faces the fight of his political life, Rangel has hired a slew of seasoned pros for his campaign — including another close Sharpton pal.
The congressman tapped former NAN national director Charlie King, who also formerly served as executive director of the state Democratic Party, as a senior campaign adviser.
Rangel also brought in consultant Phil Singer and his Marathon Strategies firm. Singer has worked for Gov. Cuomo, Sen. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, among others.
Also on Team Rangel is political consultant Neal Kwatra of Metropolitan Strategies, which helped elect Brooklyn’s new DA, Ken Thompson.
Rangel has to overcome some tension with powerful union leaders who are steamed that he didn’t follow them and get behind Melissa Mark-Viverito for City Council speaker — even though she backed him two years ago.
Espaillat, meanwhile, backed Mark-Viverito — whose Harlem district includes the Upper West Side, central Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood in Manhattan and portions of the South Bronx.
Rangel staffers stressed his lengthy track record.
“The election is about Charlie Rangel,” said Rangel campaign spokesman Bob Liff. “If voters ask who can do more for them over the next two years, we are confident in their answer.”