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Charlie Rangel, the legendary Harlem congressman who helped shape U.S. domestic and foreign policy for nearly half a century and became one of the most influential Black lawmakers in American history, has died. He was 94.
Rangel’s death was confirmed Monday morning by the City College of New York, which hailed him as a war hero, history-making legislator, and steadfast public servant.
A Korean War veteran awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Rangel was elected to Congress in 1970 after defeating longtime incumbent Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He went on to serve 23 terms in the House of Representatives, representing Harlem and surrounding neighborhoods with unwavering loyalty and legislative muscle for 46 years.
Rangel rose to national prominence as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and later as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where he played a central role in shaping tax policy, health care reform, and economic revitalization efforts.
“Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country — first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and a congressman,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Rest in power, my friend, and I hope you and Alma are together once again.”
Rangel’s legislative résumé is staggering. He was a lead architect of the Affordable Care Act, sponsored over 40 bills and resolutions that became law, and was instrumental in initiatives such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and the Empowerment Zone program. His foreign policy work included authorship of the Rangel Amendment, credited with helping dismantle apartheid in South Africa.
As one of the last living members of Harlem’s famed “Gang of Four” — alongside David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson — Rangel helped redefine Black political power in New York City and beyond. Former New York Governor David Paterson, Basil’s son, called Rangel’s commitment to public service “legendary.”
“He and my father taught me how to serve,” Paterson said. “We are all better for his service, and I am better for having had his friendship.”
Even after his retirement in 2017, Rangel remained a towering presence in Harlem politics and a frequent commentator on national affairs. His deep baritone voice, quick wit, and signature charisma made him a fixture in political circles.
He often reflected on the role that Harlem played in shaping his life and values — and how he in turn fought to ensure Harlem’s place in the national conversation.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the current House Democratic leader, called him a “transformational force of nature.”
“Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service,” Jeffries said. “May he forever rest in power.”
Born June 11, 1930, Rangel grew up in Harlem during the Great Depression and dropped out of high school before joining the Army. After the war, he earned his high school diploma, a degree from NYU, and a law degree from St. John’s University.
It was at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom in the 1950s where he met Alma Carter, his wife of more than 60 years. She died in October 2023, also at age 94. The couple had two children and several grandchildren.
Rev. Al Sharpton remembered Rangel as both “a lion of Harlem” and a fierce fighter for justice. “After surviving the horrors of the Korean War, he made every day of his life count,” Sharpton said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said Rangel welcomed her with open arms when she was elected to Congress, and praised his decades-long commitment to Harlem. “We are all heartbroken at this immense loss,” she said.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
