Charles Rangel, longtime U.S. congressman from New York City, has died at the age of 94. Born in Harlem, Rangel was a member of the House of Representatives for 46 years and represented his Harlem district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 2017.
Rangel died at a hospital in New York City; his family said in a statement announcing his death Monday: “A towering figure in American politics and a champion for justice, equity, and opportunity, Congressman Rangel dedicated over four decades of his life to public service. Throughout his career, Congressman Rangel fought tirelessly for affordable housing, urban revitalization, fair tax policies, and equal opportunities for all Americans.”
Rangel was a prominent figure in American politics and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to his election to Congress in 1970, Rangel was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for leading a group of soldiers out of a deadly Chinese army encirclement during the Battle of Konu-ri. Affectionately called “The Lion of Lenox Avenue,” Rangel was the last of Harlem’s so-called “Gang of Four” coalition — along with Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, Herman Denny Farrell and former NYC Mayor David Dinkins. They were known as the first to break down race and class barriers, cutting paths for others to follow. Over the following decades, he solidified his status as a key voice in Congress—helping to found the Congressional Black Caucus, leading the New York delegation, and in 2007, becoming the first Black member to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
Despite his long list of accomplishments, Rangel’s career met with controversy; he stepped down from his leadership post in 2010 following allegations of ethical misconduct. Rangel faced 13 charges related to violations of House rules and was ultimately found guilty of 11. In a rare disciplinary move, he was formally censured by the House — the first member to receive such a penalty in nearly three decades.
Following his retirement from public office, he took on a role as statesman-in-residence at The City College of New York. In a tribute posted to its website, the college described Rangel as “a war hero, a pioneering lawmaker, and one of the most dedicated legislators ever to serve in Congress.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow New Yorker, honored Rangel in a message shared on social media Monday morning: “Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent & champion for justice. The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force of nature. Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service. May he forever rest in power.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also reflected on Rangel’s passing on X: “Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America. The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also paid tribute to Rangel on social media, writing: “Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country — first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and a congressman. For nearly 50 years, he represented his community as one of our city’s greatest elected leaders. I am so sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage. My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him. Rest in power, my friend, and I hope you and Alma are together once again.”
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