New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following release after he was declared winner of the Democratic primary election for New York's 13th congressional district:

"Words cannot describe my overwhelming gratitude to the voters of the 13th congressional district of our great State for believing in me. I welcome this special privilege to serve the people of the Bronx and those in Upper Manhattan whom I have had the honor to represent in Congress in the past. I will not let them down.

I hope to begin the healing process of some of division that was created during the course of the campaign, and am looking forward to meeting with all of my constituents and community leaders in the new district so we can work together on improving the lives of everyone living in Harlem, El Barrio, Washington Heights, Inwood and the Bronx.

And a special thanks to all my supporters, staff, and volunteers who helped carry me through. Thank you for your continued friendship and unwavering faith in me."