NEW YORK (AP) — A new poll shows U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel widening his lead over his nearest rival in the New York Democratic primary just five days away.
A NY1/Siena College poll released Thursday shows the longtime incumbent ahead of state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, 47 percent to 34 percent.
Rangel had a 41 percent to 32 percent lead in an NY1/Siena College poll last month.
The 84-year-old African American congressman remains a favorite among black voters, leading Espaillat by 76 percent to 6 percent. The Dominican-American Espaillat is favored among Latino voters, 53 percent to 29 percent.
A third candidate, Michael Walrond, received 7 percent and the fourth candidate, Yolanda Garcia, got 4 percent.
Rangel’s hold on his seat began to look shakier in 2010, when a series of ethics violations forced him to resign his post as chairman of the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. He received a sanction of censure from the House and the calls to replace him grew louder. He was re-elected that year but with a much smaller margin of victory, and in 2012, he beat Espaillat by fewer than 1,000 votes.
“While the congressman is not taking anything for granted, this poll demonstrates that voters agree that we can’t afford to lose the experience, record and seniority Congressman Rangel brings to the table,” Rangel campaign adviser Hank Sheinkopf said in a statement.
A spokeswoman for the Espaillat campaign said the poll doesn’t capture the strength of their ground game or the passion of their supporters.
“We’re confident that our broad collation of support will bring us victory on Election Day,” Chelsea Connor said.
The poll surveyed 708 likely primary voters between June 14 and June 18. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
