Don’t expect Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel to retire without a bang — particularly when it comes to determining who succeeds him in Congress.
Rangel, 84 — who has served in Congress since 1971 and announced he will step down at the end of his term next year — raised eyebrows by showing up at a congressional birthday-bash fundraiser Wednesday night for Adam Clayton Powell IV.
While stopping short of an endorsement, Rangel gave a speech at RIO II Gallery on upper Amsterdam Avenue praising Powell as a worthy candidate.
Rangel defeated Powell’s father, Adam Clayton Jr., five decades ago to claim the congressional seat which encompasses portions of the The Bronx as well as Harlem, El Barrio, Washington Heights, Inwood and the Upper West Side.
The younger Powell, a former East Harlem state assemblyman and city councilman, has twice challenged Rangel in Democratic primaries, most recently in 2010.
But Powell and Rangel have since patched things up.
Powell backed Rangel over rival state Sen. Adriano Espaillat in the last two fiercely Democratic primaries.
Powell, who just turned 53, said Rangel’s appearance was a great birthday present.
“Charlie was very encouraging. He said we need someone who can unite the district. He showed his support for my effort to run for Congress,” Powell said.
One thing is clear: Rangel won’t be supporting Espaillat, who twice came close to unseating him.
Black leaders in Harlem looking to support another candidate, possibly Harlem Assemblyman and Manhattan Democratic leader Keith Wright, were stunned by Rangel’s appearance for Powell.
Rangel downplayed his appearance at the Powell fundraiser.
“It was nothing more than the congressman attending his friend’s birthday party,” a spokeswoman said.