Adriano Espaillat, Jordan Wright, join with Black leaders in show of unity to fend off DSA

A common enemy is a powerful thing. Two uptown incumbents, formerly of rival factions, cross endorsed each other on Saturday in a bid to prevent the Democratic Socialists of America from swiping either of their seats. 

Members of New York City’s and Upper Manhattan’s Black political leadership came out to affirm their support of Rep. Adriano Espaillat as he attempts to fend off a challenge from Democratic Socialists of America-backed Darializa Avila Chevalier. And Espaillat endorsed Jordan Wright, the son of his biggest rival, in his bid to keep his Harlem Assembly seat against DSA-backed Conrad Blackburn. 

Although Manhattan Democratic boss Keith Wright wasn't in attendance, the press conference at the Edison Ballroom in midtown Manhattan was probably as close to a treaty as they're going to get since Espaillat beat Wright in a hard-fought race for Congress in 2016. 

The press conference followed an annual Congressional Black Caucus event, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Gregory Meeks, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, reiterated their – and Black leadership's – support of Espaillat on Saturday. “We got some powerhouses here, y'all,” Jeffries said. “It's how important this election is, it's how important Harlem is.” 

“This is a meeting again of families that must come together – and we have come together – and it will be for the best interest of our community,” Espaillat said as he shook the younger Wright’s hand. He noted that he interned for Wright’s grandfather, late Judge Bruce Wright, who swore Espaillat into office for his first term in the Assembly. 

Asked about the elder Wright's absence, Espaillat quipped that he is not on the ballot and therefore couldn't receive an endorsement. Pressed further, Jeffries chimed in. “Assemblyman Jordan Wright is here, and that speaks for itself,” Jeffries said. “And by the way, we're going to make sure that this brilliant, hardworking young man, Jordan Wright, facing a DSA challenge, is reelected.” 

Espaillat's opponent Avila Chevalier not only has the backing of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, but also recently received the endorsement of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The mayor has also endorsed Assembly Member Claire Valdez and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander for Congress. All his congressional endorsements put him at odds with many Democratic leaders, including Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“The mayor and I have agreed to strongly disagree as it relates to these congressional races, particularly the endorsement that was made against Congressman Adriano Espaillat,” Jeffries said. “We're all standing together because we understand the importance of this race.”

The repeated emphasis on unity between Black leaders and the Latino Espaillat underscored the somewhat extraordinary nature of the press conference of historically feuding factions. “(Espaillat is) in fact the chair of the (Congressional Hispanic Caucus), and we understand that working collectively together, we can make the lives of the citizens better,” Meeks said. 

He spoke about his own roots in Harlem, a neighborhood he called “the leader of Black politics.” “That's why I'm glad to see the unity that I see here today bringing us together,” Meeks said. 

No one present for the press conference, which also included Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, explicitly disparaged the DSA, even while some spoke of the difference between district natives and those who moved there later in life in a veiled dig at leftist candidates. But as he exited the press conference clearly meant to combat the threat posed by DSA insurgents against more traditional incumbents, Jeffries denied that he viewed the organization as a threat to the future of the Democratic Party. “No,” he said bluntly when asked.