Charles Rangel, the longtime Democratic congressman from Harlem who served 46 years in the House of Representatives and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died Monday, May 26, at a New York hospital. He was 94.
The City College of New York confirmed Rangel’s death Monday, describing him as a war hero, history-making congressman and longtime friend. A cause of death was not provided.
Born in Harlem on June 11, 1930, Rangel represented New York’s 13th Congressional District for 23 terms after defeating legendary lawmaker Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1970. His family indicated in a statement that he dedicated over four decades of his life to public service, fighting tirelessly for affordable housing, urban revitalization, fair tax policies and equal opportunities for all Americans.
Rangel earned the nickname “The Lion of Lenox Avenue” and was the last surviving member of Harlem’s so-called “Gang of Four” coalition with Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, Herman “Denny” Farrell and former Mayor David Dinkins. The group was known as the first to break down race and class barriers, cutting paths for others to follow.
Prior to his congressional career, Rangel was a decorated Korean War veteran who received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for leading approximately 40 U.S. troops to safety during the Battle of Konu-ri. He served as a sergeant in the all-black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division. Rangel later reflected that nothing would happen to him in life that he would complain about after surviving the five-day battle.
After his military service, Rangel returned to complete his education at age 23. He worked as a bellhop at Harlem’s Hotel Theresa, where he encountered jazz legend Billie Holiday. He graduated from New York University in 1957 and St. John’s University School of Law in 1960, becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Following law school, Rangel served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York under Robert Morgenthau before being elected to the state Assembly. He was first elected to Congress on November 3, 1970, beginning a career that would span nearly five decades.
Throughout his tenure, Rangel became the first Black chair of the House’s influential Ways and Means Committee in 2007 and served as dean of the New York Congressional Delegation. He sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law during his career, including championing the national Empowerment Zone program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remembered Rangel as “a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described him as a transformational force of nature, stating that Harlem, New York City and America are better because of his service.
Rangel’s career faced controversy in 2008 when he encountered a series of ethics violations alleging he failed to abide by tax laws. The House Ethics Committee convicted him of 11 counts of violating House rules, including using congressional letterhead to seek donations for the Rangel Center at City College, not disclosing income and checking accounts, and improperly using rent-subsidized apartments for his campaign committee.
The full Congress voted to censure Rangel in 2010 in a 333-79 vote, making him the first member censured in nearly 30 years. Despite the political controversy, the people of Harlem reelected him to two more terms, demonstrating their continued support for their longtime representative.
After retiring from Congress in 2017, Rangel served as statesman-in-residence at The City College of New York. In 2022, he launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative to create jobs, particularly in the Bronx and upper Manhattan.
Governor Kathy Hochul directed state flags to be flown at half-staff Monday and Tuesday to honor Rangel, with flags also to be lowered on the day of his funeral service. New York City Mayor Eric Adams remembered him as a great hero who served his country as a decorated veteran, assemblyman and congressman for nearly 50 years.
Rangel was preceded in death by his wife Alma, a social worker whom he met at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1950s. She died in October 2024, also at age 94. He is survived by his son Steven Rangel, daughter Alicia Rangel Haughton, and three grandsons: Howard R. Haughton, Joshua R. Haughton and Charles R. Haughton.
The family announced there will be private services followed by a public celebration of life, though dates have not yet been set.
The Congressional Black Caucus mourned the loss of one of its trailblazing founders, describing his legacy as one of tireless advocacy, historic firsts and unwavering dedication to justice and equality.
