Above: New York State Sen. Adriano Espaillat

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez is calling for the Dominican community in New York to support Adriano Espaillat in his primary battle against Congressman Charles Rangel.

Espaillat, a state senator in New York, is taking on Rangel, who has represented New York in Congress since 1971, in a battle for the 13th district.

“Adriano Espaillat has been able to prove leadership, commitment and dedication in his career in defending the interests of the [Dominican] diaspora in New York,” Fernandez said.

Espaillat, 57, aims to become the first Dominican-American member of the United States Congress.

The Democratic primary elections are set for Tuesday.

Rangel was accused of failing to pay taxes on his home in the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana. In 2010, a series of allegations concerning taxes led to his being censured by the House of Representatives.