Espaillat eyes Congress, faces state challenger

As state Sen. Adriano Espaillat fights to succeed Rep. Charles Rangel in Congress, he has to keep an eye on his own seat in Albany.

Former Councilman Robert Jackson announced a challenge against Mr. Espaillat on Feb. 2.

He made a strong showing against Mr. Espaillat in a 2014 challenge, when he won 42.7 percent of the vote in the 31st state Senate district, which includes part of Marble Hill.

“I knew going back when I lost in 2014 that I was going to consider running again,” Mr. Jackson said in a phone interview. “It was just a matter of time to make the announcement.”

He has started to articulate his line of attack against Mr. Espaillat, saying the incumbent has been more concerned about winning a congressional seat than serving his constituents. This year marks Mr. Espaillat’s third try for Congress. Last time around, he was able to keep his state Senate seat since the congressional primary preceded the state primary by several months. The same scenario applies this time, with the federal primary falling on June 29 and the state primary on Sept. 13.

“You want someone who’s going to go up there [to Albany] and be focused and do what’s best for the community. Someone who’s already committed that by showing they can talk the talk and walk the walk,” Mr. Jackson said.

In 2015, Mr. Jackson helped found the Uptown Democratic Club, a political organization based in Upper Manhattan. 

“It’s not about me,” Mr. Jackson said of the group. “There’s enough room for democratic clubs, especially when talking about issues that impact our constituents.”

Mr. Jackson highlighted his work for the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, the movement to make the state give New York City public schools their fair share of funding. He said quality education for residents will remain a priority if he is elected. The three-term councilman also said a drop-out prevention program could help district schools.

A campaign email said he helped allocate $10 million toward affordable housing during his time on the Council, and Mr. Jackson said he will continue to make the issue a priority.