Former U.S. Representative Charles Bernard Rangel, a prominent figure in American politics who served New York’s Harlem district for 46 years, passed away on May 26, 2025, at Harlem Hospital in New York City, New York. He was 94.
Rangel, a Korean War veteran awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, died on Memorial Day, a day of particular significance for him. New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff on May 27, 2025, in his memory.
Born in Harlem on June 11, 1930, Rangel rose from humble origins to become a significant Black politician in modern American history. After leaving high school in 1947 and serving in the Army, he used the GI Bill to earn a degree from New York University and later a law degree from St. John’s University. He started his political career as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York in 1961.
Rangel entered Congress in 1971 after defeating civil rights leader Adam Clayton Powell Jr. for his seat in 1970. He went on to serve 23 terms, ranking among the longest-serving members in House history. His tenure included co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and becoming the first African American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee in 2007.
Over his career, Rangel was known for his legislative effectiveness, sponsoring 40 bills and resolutions that became law. His contributions included supporting the national Empowerment Zone program, the Affordable Care Act, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and the “Rangel Amendment,” which denied tax breaks to American companies conducting business in apartheid South Africa.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who now occupies Rangel’s former influential position in New York’s congressional delegation, honored his predecessor, stating: “The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force.” Jeffries highlighted Rangel’s contributions to Harlem, New York City, and the nation.
Rangel was the last surviving member of Harlem’s “Gang of Four,” a powerful political coalition including former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton, and former New York Secretary of State and Deputy Mayor Basil Paterson. This group influenced New York City and state politics, shaping policies that benefited African American communities.
The City College of New York, which named its school of public service after Rangel, announced his death, describing him as a champion for his constituents, who served 23 terms in the House of Representatives. The college noted that he was recognized as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading in passing legislation.
Business leader John Catsimatidis, who knew Rangel for over 50 years, described him as a symbol of Harlem and a fighter for justice. Catsimatidis recalled Rangel’s community presence, noting that residents often recognized him on the streets.
Despite his achievements, Rangel’s career was overshadowed by an ethics scandal leading to his censure by the House of Representatives on December 2, 2010. The House Ethics Committee found him guilty of 11 violations of House rules, including failing to report over $600,000 in rental income from a villa he owned in the Dominican Republic and using rent-controlled apartments in Harlem for campaign offices.
The censure vote, 333-79, made Rangel the first House member to face such punishment since 1983. This disciplinary action required him to stand in the House chamber while Speaker Nancy Pelosi read the charges against him. Despite calls for leniency from supporters who argued his violations didn’t involve personal enrichment or corruption, the House rejected a lesser reprimand.
Rangel maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, asserting that he never sought personal gain. He stepped down as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in March 2010 but continued to serve in Congress until his retirement in 2017.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams lauded Rangel as one of the city’s greatest elected leaders, expressing sadness at losing a friend and model of commitment and courage. Adams extended condolences to Rangel’s family and the Harlem community.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now seeking the mayor’s office, described Rangel as a mentor and credited him with teaching that leadership is about uplifting others and opposing injustice without compromise.
State Senator Cordell Cleare of Harlem highlighted the significance of Rangel’s death on Memorial Day, noting his military service and the Purple Heart and Bronze Star he earned for bravery in the Korean War.
The Reverend Al Sharpton, who occasionally clashed with Rangel, acknowledged their long relationship and described Rangel as an enduring force in American politics. Sharpton noted their first meeting when he was a teenager and Rangel’s consistent presence in his life and their community for over 50 years.
After leaving Congress in 2017, Rangel served as Statesman-in-Residence at City College of New York, launching the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative in 2022 to address infrastructure job shortages in his former district. He continued his public service mission until his passing, aiming to improve opportunities for Manhattan and Bronx residents.
Rangel was preceded in death by his wife Alma, a social worker he met at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1950s. They married on July 26, 1964, and had two children. Alma passed away in 2024, just over a year before Rangel’s death.
The Congressional Black Caucus, which Rangel helped establish, mourned the loss of one of its founding members, highlighting his legacy of advocacy, achievements, and dedication to justice and equality. The caucus emphasized that Rangel exemplified a life devoted to public service.
