The Bronx Democratic County Committee has officially endorsed Assemblyman Keith Wright, a Democrat representing Harlem, in the hugely crowded race for the 13th Congressional District, a seat long held by Congressman Charles Rangel.

BDCC’s chair, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, said Wright “will fight for our families, advocate for our needs, and speak up for our community.” Wright, who attended high school in the Bronx, has made little campaign stops in the borough, focusing mainly on Manhattan’s side of the 13th Congressional District, which covers 80 percent of the district. The rest covers the northwest Bronx, including Norwood. Wright hasn’t won the complete support of Bronx Democratic lawmakers, including New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who threw her support to state Senator Adriano Espaillat. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo and state Senator Gustavo Rivera also supported Espaillat, whose latest run for the Congressional makes it his third.

The heavily crowded field of candidates include career politician Adam Clayton Powell, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook, Mike Gallagher, state Sen. Bill Perkins, former teacher Guillermo Lianares, and Pastor Clyde Williams. Rangel, who will retire when his term expires in 2017, also backed Wright.

Some political observers told the Norwood News the endorsement was arranged over a year ago when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie made a run for Assembly Speaker. Wright also made a run, but withdrew on the promise BDCC would back him for Congress. Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, chair of BDCC, did not return comment.