Embattled Rep. Charles Rangel may catch a break in his tough re-election bid: Another Hispanic candidate is entering the Democratic primary — potentially siphoning votes from his chief rival, state Sen. Adriano Espaillat.
Bronx community activist Yolonda Garcia gathered some 6,000 signatures, more than four times the 1,250 needed to qualify for a spot on the June 24 ballot, a source close to the candidate said.
A Board of Elections spokesman confirmed Garcia had filed the petitions.
Espaillat nearly toppled Rangel two years ago by grabbing an overwhelming majority of the Latino vote.
Like Espaillat, Garcia is a Dominican immigrant. She moved here in 1975.
Garcia spokesman Richard Soto, head of Rising Democratic Voices Coalition, insisted she’s not a stalking horse for Rangel.
The district covers part of The Bronx as well as upper Manhattan.
But political consultant Mike Nieves, a Hispanic campaign adviser to Rangel two years ago, said Garcia could be a problem for Espaillat.
“She could siphon off enough votes from Espaillat in The Bronx to make Charlie the clear winner,’’ Nieves said.
Preacher Michael Walrond — an ally of Al Sharpton — is the other candidate in the race.