1970 , after defeating Adam Clayton Powell , Jr. in the Democratic primary .
Rangel repeatedly won re-election to represent New York 's 18th , 19th , 16th , 15th , or 13th districts .
Since 1970 , after defeating Adam Clayton Powell , Jr. in the Democratic primary , Rangel repeatedly won re-election to represent New York 's 18th , 19th , 16th , 15th , or 13th districts .