In one of the city’s most contentious congressional races in recent history, a notoriously beleaguered incumbent will square off today against four political hopefuls vying to unseat him, setting the stage for what may be an entirely new order in Harlem politics.
New York’s primary races will play out across the state, filled with several closely watched races that carry deep implications for the November elections.
Most political experts have their eyes on the race for the 15th congressional district seat, which features one of the most crowded and cutthroat primaries for the post in recent decades.
Up until this year’s midterm elections, Congressman Charles Rangel had long enjoyed a largely uncontested race for his seat, coasting through almost every election since he first ascended to the position in 1971. At the height of his political career, he was invincible—and with good reason. He was a member of the so-called Gang of Four, a quartet of history-making black leaders who made unprecedented strides in achieving racial equality and brought black leaders into the political fold.
As he climbed through the ranks of the House, he was able to use his committee positions and senior status to bring federal monies back to a district that desperately needed it. From local education programs, to job-creation projects, to affordable housing, the benefits he brought back with him from D.C. ran the gamut. And in turn, he developed an ardently loyal support base, one which rewarded him by pulling the lever for him for 40 consecutive years.
But now, all that may be on the brink of change. After the House Ethics Committee announced 13 charges of violation against Rangel this past summer, following a two-year investigation, Rangel became embroiled in a heated ethics battle. He and his supporters have called the onslaught of bad press intentionally ill-timed.
As the controversy gathered steam this summer, it quickly chipped away at the once-untouchable Rangel, making him vulnerable and perhaps even beatable—and also providing fuel for the fresh faces vying for his seat.
These four new power brokers—Adam Clayton Powell IV, Joyce Johnson, Vince Morgan, and Jonathan Tasini—are part of an up-and-coming political generation, a different breed than the Gang of Four and clubhouse pols. Each promises to recalibrate what’s widely perceived to be a broken political system, each offers a compelling narrative, and each offers some novel (and some equally trite) ideas.
But if history stays its course and pundits’ predictions hold true, it may be too soon for any of these newly minted contenders to step into the coveted role.
Rangel is, after all, a relic of sorts of a bygone cherished era in Harlem politics, and many of his residents are still holding fast to these final vestiges. And in Harlem and in New York at large, the significance of incumbency is often unparalleled.
“This is New York City and New York state politics. It takes a lot, a lot, to get incumbents out of office,” said Barnard political science professor Kimberley Johnson. “It takes a huge, huge collapse [for a controversy to influence the political outcome].”
Longtime residents are not likely to betray their persistent representative, experts say.
“In Rangel’s case ... loyalty will count more than the ethics scandal, given his track record of delivering to his constituents,” political science and urban studies professor Flora Davidson wrote in an email.
What’s more, despite the $1.8 million in legal fees that Rangel has racked up over the past several months, he still maintains an enormous financial advantage over his opponents. A Federal Election Commission report shows Rangel with nearly $423,000 on hand during the summer, far surpassing even his main challenger, Powell, who came in with just slightly over $44,000 during that same time.
But if Rangel’s victory is considered inevitable, the bigger question is by what margin he’ll win, given that in past races, he has won by a landslide. The ethics controversy, alongside shifting demographics, have undoubtedly turned this into a far more competitive race. The neighborhood, too, has gone from being predominantly composed of blacks—who are among Rangel’s most reliable supporters—to a mix of black, Hispanic, and white constituents.
“The district has changed,” Johnson said. “It would be interesting to see if the challengers are in fact tapping into newer people in the district.”
Regardless, experts predict that Rangel will emerge victorious—a tell-tale sign of the power of incumbency and constituent loyalty in Harlem.
“No other candidate has got the solid background that Rangel has got. It would be a real surprise to people if he were to lose the election,” said political science lecturer Kathleen Knight. “Rangel will either finally retire or die in office.”
Sam Levin contributed reporting.
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