Gov. Cuomo on Sunday is endorsing Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel’s bid for re-election to a 23rd term, The Post has learned.
Cuomo’s backing is an eleventh-hour boost to Rangel, who is locked in a fierce Democratic primary challenge against rival state Sen. Adriano Espaillat.
“Charlie Rangel has fought for the people of his district for over 40 years. His experience, seniority, and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers continue to make him a critical voice in standing up to the Tea Party extremism that is threatening to take over Washington,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Charlie has dedicated his life to being a
strong, progressive leader consistently delivering for his constituents. Today, I proudly endorse Charlie Rangel for another term in Congress.”
The primary is on Tuesday.
The most recent Siena College survey has Rangel ahead by 13 points, 47 percent to 34 percent.
But political insiders — even Rangel allies — believe the race is tighter. Some key Democratic Party leaders and unions abandoned Rangel to support Espaillat this time around.
In their primary battle two years ago, Rangel squeaked by Espaillat by about 1,000 votes in a near upset.
The newly-drawn congressional district takes in parts of heavily Hispanic sections of The Bronx as well as northern Manhattan.
The Espaillat campaign sought to downplay Cuomo’s endorsement of Rangel.
“Adriano Espaillat was 1,000 votes away from unseating Congressman Rangel in 2012 as an insurgent with no political support. Two years later, the call for change is even louder – Adriano has been endorsed by the New York Times and progressive leaders like Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr and the Working Families Party,” an Espaillat campaign spokesman said.
“This election will be decided on turnout – while Adriano’s supporters are fired up, Congressman Rangel no longer has the advantage on labor support or financial resources to help him get out the vote.”
Mayor de Blasio has remained neutral.
Additional reporting by Beth DeFalco