Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV announced on Monday that he would challenge Representative Charles B. Rangel in this fall’s Democratic primary, setting the stage for a deeply personal battle between two of Harlem’s biggest political names and oldest foes.
Mr. Powell’s entry into the race suggests that Mr. Rangel’s political troubles are reshaping the campaign for his seat, which was once considered untouchable. So far, he faces two declared opponents, and a growing list of would-be candidates who are exploring the race.
Mr. Powell, 47, acknowledged that the ethics probes swirling around Mr. Rangel, including an investigation into corporate-sponsored trips he went on, and the congressman’s decision to give up the chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, had emboldened him to run.
“The fact that he is no longer chairman is significant,” Mr. Powell said. “If he were still chairman, I might not be running.”