Rangel primary foe to launch rematch

Democratic state Sen. Adriano Espaillat will make his primary rematch against Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) official on Thursday.

{mosads}It’s Espaillat’s second shot at the seat, after losing by just over 1,000 votes in 2012.

His supporters believe he has a better shot this time because he’s well-positioned to take advantage of the district’s growing Hispanic population. 

Rangel’s age and long tenure could be an issue, but he will also have to contend with the shadow of his 2010 Ethics Committee censure that still hangs over his record in Congress.

The 22-term incumbent has long been considered a retirement risk, but he announced late last year his intentions to run — and said he expects a “rough” race.

“It’s going to be a rough one but, you know, it’s like shooting crap. Either you win or you lose; you just can’t stay even with the first shot,” Rangel said on MSNBC.

Preacher Michael Walrond is also in the primary, and whoever nabs the nomination is favored to keep the heavily Democratic seat. The primary will be held June 24.