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Primary Winners: Rangel, Meng, Jeffries, Velazquez, Long
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 27, 2012
Modified Jun 27, 2012
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 27, 2012
Modified Jun 27, 2012
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Rep. Charles Rangel won his most difficult primary challenge in decades, basically ensuring he will be elected to Congress for a 22nd term. State Senator Adriano Espaillat, who trailed with 40% of the vote to Rangel's 45% (with 84% of precincts reporting), conceded, saying, "Though we didn’t make it to the finish line tonight, the values we fought for and the communities we seek to improve will continue to light a fire in us. The truth is, even in coming a bit short, we made history."
Many thought this was the best chance to unseat Rangel, who was censured by the House for numerous ethics violations. However, the combination of many challengers—besides Espaillat, Clyde Williams and Joyce Johnson ran for the seat (they got 10% and 3% of the vote respectively)—and many established politicians, like Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Cuomo, threw their support behind Rangel.
When asked if the 82-year-old Rangel would make this his last term, Assemblyman Keith Wright said that was unlikely, "Charlie Rangel might be the Strom Thurmond of Harlem." Here's Rangel's victory speech tonight.
There were many other Democratic primaries today: State Assemblywoman Grace Meng won the primary for the 6th District in Queens, beating Assemblyman Rory Lancman and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley. Rep. Nydia Velazquez won in the 7th District in Brooklyn, over Councilman Erik Dilan. And State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries won the 8th District in Brooklyn over controversial—and David Duke-endorsed—Councilman Charles Barron.
With 94% of the precincts reporting, Jeffries won 72% of the vote to Barron's 28%, but Barron said he wouldn't call to congratulate his opponent and asked for a recount.
There was a big Republican primary today, too—Wendy Long won the chance to run against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand this fall.
Tagged
Adriano Espaillat
Charles Barron
charles rangel
election 2012
grace meng
hakeem jeffries
wendy long
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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