Prominent Black political figures, including Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the House Democrats, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are throwing their support behind Representative Adriano Espaillat. This comes as he faces a contentious primary challenge from Diariliza Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America.
The connection between Jeffries and Espaillat is a longstanding one, originating from their tenure in the state Assembly prior to their respective ascensions to the House of Representatives.
Over the weekend, Jeffries voiced his dissatisfaction with Mayor Mamdani’s involvement in the congressional contest.
“The mayor and I have a significant disagreement concerning the congressional races, especially regarding the endorsement against Congressman Adriano Espaillat,” Jeffries stated during a press conference held at the Edison Hotel in Manhattan on Saturday, where he endorsed Espaillat.
“The mayor and I strongly disagree as it relates to the congressional races, particularly the endorsement that was made against Congressman Adriano Espaillat,” Jeffries said during an endorsement press conference for Espaillat at the Edison hotel in Manhattan on Saturday.
“We are fully and squarely behind [Espaillat], and we are going to make sure we do everything we can to ensure he is re-elected,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries, who would likely become the first black House speaker if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives, also brought up gentrification, a sensitive issue in minority communities. His camp has previously claimed that DSA members are among the newcomers gentrifying city neighborhoods.
“Our communities are facing gentrification in the north and JimCrow-like tactics in the South,” he said.
He also said he doesn’t want residents who fought to improve the city during the crack epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s to be forced out as “victims of their own success.”
More importantly, Harlem elected officials — whose districts overlap with the up-for-grabs 13th House seat — could be important validators for Espaillat with black voters, and they showed up at the endorsement event.
The district includes Morningside Heights, Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood and parts of the western Bronx.
The Harlemites who talked up Espaillat were state Sen. Cordell Cleare, Assembly members Al Taylor and Jordan Wright and city Councilman Yusef Salaam.
Espaillat cross-endorsed Wright, the son of Manhattan Democratic leader and longtime Harlem power broker Keith Wright, who is also facing a DSA challenger.
Old black voters in central Harlem could impact the primary election if they turn out in force, to counter younger voters who connect with Chevalier.
The black leaders said it was important to maintain unity among black and Latino communities.
Espaillat, seeking a sixth term, is chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
“Adriano Espaillat is the man for the job. We don’t need outsiders,” said Cleare, citing the incumbent’s experience and knowledge of nitty-gritty community concerns.
For his part, Espaillat recalled reading the newspapers as a kid, when he was a Dominican immigrant learning English. He admired then-Harlem Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, who he called a “larger-than-life” figure.
“I’m no stranger to Harlem,” he said.
In a recent debate, Espaillat said he would “absolutely” support Jeffries as the first African-American speaker, while Avila Chevalier said she would discuss the choice later after consulting with constituents.
Brooklyn Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Queens Congressman Gregory Meeks also stood with fellow House member Espaillat.