The UFT Delegate Assembly on May 7 recommended to the union’s state affiliate, New York State United Teachers, that it endorse state Sen. Adriano Espaillat in his primary bid against Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel in the 1st Congressional District.

“This is a new day, a new district,” UFT Director of Legislation and Political Action Paul Egan told delegates. Espaillat is “a new voice.”

UFT Manhattan Borough Representative Evelyn DeJesus also recommended the endorsement. “Espaillat has been a friend to us,” DeJesus said.

She and others cited Espaillat’s work to fund universal prekindergarten, to ban standardized testing in kindergarten through 2nd grade and to ensure public audits of charter schools.

The state primary election is June 24.