Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Congressman representing New York’s 13th district since 2017, posted a series of messages on his social media accounts addressing recent public health data, the passing of a congressional colleague, and the anniversary of the January 6 attack on American democracy.
On January 6, 2026, Espaillat highlighted concerns about influenza trends in the United States. He wrote: “La pasada temporada de gripe registró la tasa de hospitalización más alta en 15 años, y las muertes infantiles por gripe alcanzaron las 288, la cifra más alta jamás registrada. Y si bien las infecciones por gripe se dispararon durante las fiestas y los expertos en salud” (posted at 15:14 UTC).
Later that day, he expressed condolences regarding the death of Congressman LaMalfa. In his post at 15:50 UTC, Espaillat stated: “This is incredibly sad news. Congressman LaMalfa will be missed, and my prayers are with his family, friends, neighbors and colleagues that are mourning such a loss.”
Espaillat also marked the fifth anniversary of the January 6 insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol with a reflection on democratic principles. At 16:03 UTC he posted: “5 years ago, American democracy faced an undeniably homegrown attempt at an insurrection. Luckily, we prevailed. In a democracy, elections don’t always turn out the way we want, but it’s the respect of the will of the People, and the peaceful transition of power, that sets”
Adriano Espaillat has represented New York’s 13th District in Congress since replacing Charles Rangel in 2017 and previously served in both chambers of New York’s state legislature from 1997 to 2016. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1954 and now residing in Manhattan at age 68, Espaillat earned his BA from Queens College in New York City.
