Adriano Espaillat Given Influential Post In Congress

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — The congressman representing Upper Manhattan neighborhoods such as Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood has ascended to a special role in the Democratic caucus in just his second term in the House of Representatives.

Adriano Espaillat was appointed as a Senior Whip for the Democratic party Tuesday, the congressman announced in a press release. Duties of the new role will mostly involve advising Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina on how to best accomplish the Democrats' legislative priorities.

"I am honored to have been selected by Majority Whip Clyburn to serve in this leadership capacity as a Senior Whip during the 116th Congress," Espaillat said in a statement. "I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues in a bipartisan manner to deliver results for the millions of Americans who are counting on us and to restore their faith in our government, bipartisanship, and our nation."

Being appointed a Senior Whip means that Espaillat is carving out a nice role for himself in the new Democratic majority in Congress. In addition to the role, Espaillat serves on the influential house foreign affairs committee and is on many caucuses including a chairing role on the task force for transportation, infrastructure and housing, according to his website.

Espaillat was first elected to serve New York's 13th Congressional District in 2016. The district also includes portions of the Bronx. Espaillat succeeded longtime Congressman Charles Rangle, who retired.

Before being elected to Congress, Espaillat represented Washington Heights and Inwood in the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly. He is the first formerly-undocumented immigrant and the first Dominican-American to serve in the House of Representatives.