Charles Rangel, a former U.S. Congress Member from Harlem and a giant in New York City politics, died on Memorial Day at the age of 94.
Born in Harlem, Rangel, a Democrat, was the second-longest serving incumbent member of the House of Representatives, serving from 1971 to 2017.
Rangel’s family released a statement paying tribute to him as a “towering figure” in American politics and a champion for justice. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Born on June 11, 1930, Rangel rose from humble beginnings to an outspoken force in both local and national politics. Known for his raspy voice, he was part of the legendary Gang of Four, a quartet of Harlem political heavyweights that included Mayor David Dinkins, state Sen. and New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson and Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton — all of whom preceded Rangel in death.
After serving in the Korean War, he earned a law degree before kicking off his political career. He worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and served in the NYS Assembly before being elected to his most influential role as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to an article in the Amsterdam News, his tenure in Congress reached its apogee in 2007 when he became chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, a tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives.
The article states that per his autobiography, Rangel claimed to never have had a bad day since he survived an attack by the Chinese and North Korean armies when he served in the Korean War.
“But it doesn’t mean I haven’t had some heartbreaking experiences,” he said.
Rangel was a decorated veteran who received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his military service.
His wife, Alma Carter, died last year.
During his tenure, Rangel used his influence in the House of Representatives to help secure key improvements for Harlem, namely economic reinvestment in the community through increased Medicaid funding, low-income housing and transit projects. He also fought Reagan administration cuts to funding anti-drug programs.
Rangel’s long-time record was marred in 2008 by allegations that he had violated House Ethics rules and possibly evaded taxes by failing to disclose rental income for a villa he owned in the Dominican Republic, and may have improperly rented multiple rent-stabilized apartments in New York. The scandal led to his resignation as Ways and Means chair and censure on the floor of the House in December 2010.
New York elected officials shared their condolences after Rangel’s death.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn said that Harlem, NYC and America are “better today” because of Rangel’s service.
“Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice,” Jeffries wrote. “The Lion of Lenox Ave. was a transformational force of nature.”
Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee Jay Jacobs said the Congress member leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“From a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the influential House Ways and Means Committee, Rangel broke barriers while shaping policy on tax reform, economic development, and civil rights,” he said. “As a decorated war veteran, today is a celebration of his life in public service and his impact on all of us as New Yorkers and as Americans. I am proud to have called him a role model and a friend.”
Former Gov. and NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo said Rangel was a mentor and friend to him.
“He taught me that leadership is about lifting others up and in the face of injustice, you don’t flinch, you don’t fold—you fight,” Cuomo said. “He had that Harlem fire in his heart and a joy in his soul that no battle could extinguish. He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped fighting to make this country live up to its promise.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who succeeded Rangel in Congress, highlighted his support behind many local initiatives.
“Through our numerous conversations and collaborations over the years, his guidance, support, and faith helped propel legislative initiatives like the Second Avenue Subway that expanded during his tenure and the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which I helped establish as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a champion of creating pipelines for future generations,” Espaillat said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams described Rangel as one of NYC’s “greatest” elected leaders.
“I am so sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage,” the mayor said. “My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him.”
