Former Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), a Harlem native who served nearly five decades in the House of Representatives, died Monday at the age of 94.
Rangel was first elected to Congress in 1970 after defeating Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. He served in Congress from 1971 to 2017, eventually becoming the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2007.
Rangel was a veteran of the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
“Rangel was a war hero, history-making congressman, and master lawmaker. He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. He was the primary sponsor of President Obama’s historic health care reform law,” The City College of New York said in a statement, confirming Rangel’s death.
Rangel was the last surviving member of the Gang of Four, a political coalition made up of Harlem lawmakers.
Tributes for Rangel were quick to pour in from fellow New York Democrats following the news of his passing.
“Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and a congressman,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said on X. “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.”
“Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent & champion for justice,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.-D) said on X.
“The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force of nature,” he added. “Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service. May he forever rest in power.”
“Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it.
