NY 13th Congressional District​​ Preview Race: Espaillat​ Vs. Vargas

NEW YORK CITY — New York's 13th Congressional District has been represented by Congressman Adriano Espaillat since 2017. On Nov.5, voters will decide between the incumbent candidate and republican challenger Rubén Vargas.

The 13th Congressional District encompasses Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights and The Bronx.

Before being elected to Congress, Espaillat served in the state Senate, representing District 31 from 2011 to 2017. Prior to that, he represented District 72 in the State Assembly from 1997 to 2010.

In 2022, Espaillat won reelection in an uncontested race.

In the U.S. House, Espaillat is assigned to the House Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Committee and House Committee on Budget.

Espaillat has received multiple endorsements from Broadway Democrats, Benjamin Franklin Democratic Club, Animal Wellness Action, Congressional Progressive Caucus, New York Immigration Collation Action, Sierra Club, among other organizations.

"Congressman Espaillat has been a vocal advocate for protecting tenants, improving schools, and making serious, smart investments in economic development, job creation, and environmental protection," according to a statement on his campaign website.

Espaillat main campaign issues are immigration, infrastructure, housing and better government, according to his campaign website.

Republican Challenger

Vargas has had a number of unsuccessfully runs for public office dating back to 2001. Most recently, in 2022, he lost in the Democratic primary to Robert Jackson for Senate District 31.

He is a United State Air Force veteran and has graduated from City College and Cornell University.

Patch could not find a campaign website for Vargas.

Both candidates did not respond to Patch inquiry's for candidate profiles. Patch will be following the results of this race on election night with live updates.