A close ally of the Rev. Al Sharpton is making the move to oust longtime Harlem Rep. Charlie Rangel, The Post has learned.
The Rev. Michael Walrond, senior pastor at the First Corinthian Baptist Church, launched a new campaign site for the 2014 race this week and began soliciting contributions online.
State Sen. Adriano Espaillat, who nearly upset Rangel in the 2012 Democratic primary, is expected to run again. Latinos now constitute the largest constituency in the 13th Congressional District that runs through northern Manhattan and The Bronx.
“I’ve witnessed, firsthand, the effect that visionary and transformative leadership can have on communities that are hungry for real change,” Walrond says on his campaign site.
Walrond’s church has one of the largest congregations in Harlem.
Rangel, 83, announced earlier this month that he is seeking his 23rd term. In his most recent run, he edged out Espaillat by just two percentage points before winning the general election.