Political consultant Basil Smikle officially launches his campaign today to try to unseat state Sen. Bill Perkins in the Democratic primary — slamming the Harlem incumbent as a weak leader and an opponent of charter schools.

“We’ve been suffering for a long time from a lack of leadership from Senator Perkins, who has pitted parents and families against each other to serve his own interests,” Smikle said.

“We need constructive leadership in Albany. Harlem deserves a better advocate.”

Smikle, a professor at City College and Columbia University, noted that Perkins voted against legislation earlier this month to lift the cap on the number of charter schools — publicly funded, privately managed schools that are popular in Harlem.

He said school choice will be a major campaign issue.

“I’m for improving achievement across the board for all children — charters and traditional public schools,” Smikle said.

Housing and development could be another hot-button issue between the two.

Perkins has opposed condemnation proceedings to allow for Columbia University’s expansion.

Smikle — who initially was hired by Columbia as a community consultant — supports the project.

Smikle also vowed to promote the interests of small businesses and develop programs to educate and train the unemployed for jobs.

Smikle, 38, is a former aide to both Hillary and Bill Clinton and has ties to Mayor Bloomberg.

Perkins has long been a City Hall antagonist who last year opposed the law renewing mayoral control of the city school system.

Harlem politicos said Perkins — a former city councilman who has deep ties to community activists and political clubs and is a visible presence in the district — is the clear favorite.

The teachers union and labor leaders are expected to rally around him.