Crowded Field Vies to Replace Rep. Charles Rangel

It will be a historic primary election in the 13th congressional district, which covers Harlem, Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.

For the first time in 46 years, Congressman Charles Rangel will not be on the ballot for the Democratic primary. Nine Democrats are now vying for the open seat.

They include presumed front-runners State Senator Adriano Espaillat and Assemblyman Keith Wright. Also on the list: Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, Michael Gallagher, Adam Clayton Powell IV, Suzan Johnson Cook, Clyde Williams, Yohanny Caceres, and Sam Sloan.

“Because there are so many candidates,” said WNYC’s Brigid Bergin, “and this race has been won only by a matter of a few hundred of votes in recent years, all those other candidates could spell real trouble for the front-runners.”

Polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.