He would have been the first Dominican-born member of the United States Congress, but for New York State Sen. Adriano Espaillat's Democratic primary election run for the 13th Congressional District, it was about policy, rather than being first in the history books.

More than 36 hours after voting booths closed and news outlets declared the incumbent, Rep. Charles Rangel, winner of the primary election, Espaillat finally conceded. According to a statement from Espaillat's spokesperson Chelsea Conner, the state senator called Rangel to offer his congratulations on both campaigning and his "lifetime of service to the community."

"I want to express my deepest appreciation for all of the efforts of my supporters and volunteers on my campaign for Congress," Espaillat said. "My sincerest thanks goes out to the unwavering endorsements provided to me from all of the labor unions, newspapers, advocacy groups, elected officials, and community leaders. Even though I will not be representing the 13th District in Congress, I will continue to fight for Opportunity for All."

Espaillat, had hoped his 2014 primary campaign would turn out better than his 2012 race against Rangel, which he lost by 1,100 votes. This time around, Espaillat secured the endorsements of prominent figures such as City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who represents East Harlem, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. He also gained the support from the United Federation of Teachers and the Working Families Party; both endorsed Rangel in 2012.

Ethnic loyalties may have played a role in the election. There is speculation that Espaillat lost the support of some Puerto Ricans and African-American voters because of the belief that he appealed more to Dominicans, a population that heavily populates the Inwood and Washington Heights neighborhoods of the district. According to data from Queens College, 7.6 percent of New York City's 8.3 million residents are of Dominican heritage.

During one debate on local ABC affiliate WABC-TV, Rangel questioned Espaillat's campaigning, stating the state senator wanted to be "the Jackie Robinson of the Dominicans in the Congress."

"What the heck has he done, besides saying he's a Dominican?" Rangel said.

"You're the one framing this debate along racial and ethnic lines," Espaillat said. "You are creating division, and you are bringing race and ethnicity to a debate that should be about issues."

While Rangel was criticized for the comments, it did spark a discussion as to how Espaillat would lead.

As The New York Times reported, Harlem pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III of the Abyssinian Baptist Church said Espaillat offended voters because of the state senator's focus on Dominicans.

"If he runs again, he needs to focus on developing the unity in this district. We are not a district of African Americans and Dominicans and whites to be played against each other," the reverend said.

"While much has been written about the politics of race and ethnicity within this District, there is no question that our campaign focused on bringing the community together around our shared needs and struggles," Espaillat said on Thursday.

On primary election night, June 24, as voting figures showed Rangel gaining a lead, Espaillat said it was "too close to call," since votes from Inwood, Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights and the Bronx's Bedford Park — Latino, particularly Dominican, populated areas — were not yet counted.

"Every vote must be counted," he said.

By June 25, the New York City Board of Elections showed Rangel with 47.44 percent (22,674 votes) to Espaillat's 43.62 percent (20,846 votes).

In the Bronx, Borough President Diaz Jr. originally endorsed Rangel during the 2012 primary election. For 2014, Diaz Jr. supported Espaillat, and he was there for the state senator on primary night.

"I am very disappointed that my good friend Adriano Espaillat was not victorious in Tuesday's primary," Diaz Jr. said in a statement to Latin Post. "Adriano has long been a fighter for the people of this district and for the entire city, and I had hoped that he would be able to bring his talents to Congress to advocate on behalf of his district and the people of this great city."

The Bronx borough president said he encourages Espaillat to "hold his head high" as he ran a good campaign and spoke of the issues that needed to be addressed in the community.

"He has nothing to be ashamed of," he said.

Although he didn't endorse Rangel's campaign this year, Diaz Jr. did confirm he will support Rangel's re-election this November: "I look forward to working with him over the next two years on the issues that concern the people of his district and the Bronx."

Following his official concession, Espaillat announced he will seek re-election to his state senate seat, where he can "continue to work to find new ways to bring jobs, affordable housing and immigration reform to our community, so that middle and working class families can thrive here."

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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