It’s checkout time for Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel, the union representing the city’s hotel workers has declared.
The 35,000-member Hotel Trades Council is endorsing state Sen. Adriano Espaillat over Rangel in another blow to the incumbent’s bid for a 23rd term, The Post has learned.
The union’s endorsement is a coup for Espaillat, who last week secured the backing of the teachers union.
“Adriano knows firsthand the struggles of New York’s working families, and we cannot think of a more qualified representative for the 13th Congressional District,” said Hotel Trade Council political director Josh Gold.
“We need a Congress member who will implement a long-term plan for job growth, smart development and a real solution to income inequality in our city — Adriano is that person.”
The union was neutral in the primary two years ago.
The politically active union helped run Queens Rep. Grace Meng’s successful campaign to become New York’s first Asian-American serving in Congress.
If elected, Espaillat would become the first Dominican-American in Congress.
Rangel squeaked by Espaillat in 2012, during their first Democratic primary fight in a reconfigured district that includes parts of The Bronx as well as northern Manhattan.
The veteran congressman has suffered a series of defections from the Democratic establishment.
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who represents East Harlem — a key part of Rangel’s district — endorsed Espaillat after backing Rangel in 2012.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also abandoned Rangel for Espaillat.
There’s a potential spoiler in the race: Harlem preacher Michael Walrond, an ally of the Rev. Al Sharpton. Walrond is pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in the heart of Rangel’s central Harlem base.
But the crafty and charismatic Rangel cannot be counted out.
He stole the show at a congressional debate Wednesday night, pretending to get a call on his cellphone to blast the records of his opponents in a mock conversation that grabbed the headlines.
Espaillat was not amused, claiming the stunt smacked of desperation. “Wacky, very wacky,” he at said while stumping Thursday. “For him to take his phone and make like a joke . . . What is he going to do, karaoke next time?”
Some power brokers are sticking with Rangel, most notably Bill Clinton and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and District Council 37.