U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel has won the closely contested Democratic primary in New York's 13th Congressional District as he seeks his 23rd term.

Rangel defeated state Sen. Adriano Espaillat in unofficial returns. Espaillat was bidding to become the first Dominican-American in Congress.

They also squared off in 2012, a primary Rangel narrowly won.

The 84-year-old Rangel was once arguably the most influential black elected official in the U.S. He says this is his final race. He is known as the Lion of Harlem and has been a liberal voice for a district that was once heavily black but is now majority Hispanic.

The primary had been contentious, with accusations of racially charged language.

Rangel will advance to the general election in November. His district is heavily Democratic.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL