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Rep. Charles Rangel Endorses Keith Wright to Succeed Him in Congress

By Carolina Pichardo | April 29, 2016 4:17pm | Updated on May 2, 2016 8:54am
 Charles Rangel endorsed Assemblyman Keith Wright (far left) Friday in the race for Rangel's Congressional seat.
Charles Rangel endorsed Assemblyman Keith Wright (far left) Friday in the race for Rangel's Congressional seat.
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DNAinfo/Jeff Mays

HARLEM — A pair of candidates for outgoing Rep. Charles Rangel's seat received key endorsements this week — including one from the longtime congressman himself. 

Assemblyman Keith Wright picked up the nod from Rangel on Friday, just days after landing an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

The endorsements add to the roster of supporters who have already come out for Wright, including former Gov. David Paterson, former Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Sen. Jose M. Serrano, Assemblyman Denny Farrell and several workers’ unions.

His opponent, state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, who announced his third bid for congress last year, announced this week an endorsement from the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 100. He has already gotten the support of City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo and Councilman Ritchie Torres.

Rangel announced his plans to retire after serving 23 terms in Congress during his last reelection to the 13th District, which covers Morningside Heights, Central and East Harlem, Northern Manhattan. and several neighborhoods in the The Bronx.

Other candidates for the post include Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, who has received an endorsement from longtime Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera and several unions, a rep said.

Guillermo Linares, Suzan Johnson and Clyde Williams are also candidates in the crowded field for Rangel's seat. Their offices did not return requests for comment.