INTRA-PARTY SCANDAL – Disciplinary Action Coming?

Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who recently won reelection with over 83% of the vote, now faces serious allegations of election manipulation within his own party that could lead to disciplinary action.

At a Glance

• Rep. Adriano Espaillat and three associates are accused of vote manipulation during a 2023 Manhattan Democratic Party chairman election
• Allegations include voter suppression, failing to record votes, and improper check-in methods
• Espaillat supported Assemblyman Harvey Epstein against party leader Keith Wright’s preferred candidate
• The party’s executive committee will determine potential punishments ranging from public reprimand to expulsion
• Espaillat’s spokesperson claims the probe is politically motivated by his longtime rival Keith Wright

Ethics Probe Findings

A Manhattan Democratic Party ethics investigation has found that Rep. Adriano Espaillat and three associates engaged in improper election conduct during a 2023 vote for the party chairman position. The probe uncovered evidence suggesting Espaillat’s team manipulated election outcomes by neglecting to record votes, using improper check-in methods, and employing voter intimidation tactics. These serious allegations come despite Espaillat’s strong showing in his recent congressional reelection, where he secured 83.5% of votes against Republican challenger Ruben Dario Vargas in New York’s 13th Congressional District.

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The ethics report focuses on Espaillat’s support for Assemblyman Harvey Epstein in the party chairman race, which put him at odds with current party leader Keith Wright, who backed the eventual winner Nico Minerva. This intra-party conflict adds another layer to the controversy, as tensions between Espaillat and Wright have persisted since Espaillat defeated Wright in a 2016 primary election. The findings have raised questions about democratic processes within the party responsible for overseeing elections in Manhattan.

Potential Consequences

The Manhattan Democratic Party’s executive committee now faces difficult decisions about potential disciplinary actions against Espaillat and his associates. Options range from public reprimand to more severe measures like suspension or even expulsion from the party, though these harsher penalties are considered unlikely for a sitting congressman. The investigation has created significant divisions within the party, with some members pushing for accountability while others question the motivations behind the probe.

“Is there going to be accountability or not? I hope we’re the party that follows the rules.” said Barry Weinberg.

Party secretary Barry Weinberg has publicly criticized Espaillat’s actions as voter suppression, highlighting the seriousness with which some party officials view the allegations. Two ethics committee members, while disagreeing with some conclusions in the report, concurred that consequences were warranted. The committee’s final determination will significantly impact Espaillat’s standing in the local Democratic organization that holds considerable influence over electoral politics in Manhattan.

Political Context and Response

Espaillat has not commented directly on the allegations, but his team has responded through a spokesperson. They claim the ethics probe represents a politically motivated attack orchestrated by Wright, characterizing it as an attempt to silence Latino district leaders who oppose Wright’s leadership. The controversy takes on additional significance given Espaillat’s previous public statements criticizing election interference, including his vocal opposition to the January 6 Capitol riot and Trump supporters’ election claims.

“Keith Wright’s actions represent a blatant political purge—weaponizing the Democratic machine to silence Latino district leaders who disagree with him and he can’t remove through a democratic process.” said Corey Ortega.

The scandal emerges despite Espaillat’s overwhelming electoral support in his district, where he received 85.9% of Manhattan votes and 73.4% of Bronx votes in the recent congressional election. The timing places Espaillat in a precarious position as he balances his responsibilities as a federal representative with the need to address serious allegations affecting his standing in local party politics. How party leaders ultimately respond to the ethics findings will determine whether this controversy fades or becomes a more significant challenge to Espaillat’s political future.