Charles Rangel, the renowned former U.S. Representative from New York, passed away on Monday at the age of 94. His family confirmed his death through a statement shared by the City College of New York spokesperson, Michelle Stent. Rangel reportedly died in a hospital in New York City.
As a veteran of the Korean War, Charles Rangel embarked on his congressional journey after defeating esteemed Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in 1970. Over the course of more than four decades, Rangel became a cornerstone of New York’s congressional delegation, earning the title of dean. In 2007, he made history by becoming the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
Despite a distinguished career, Rangel’s tenure was not without controversy. He stepped down from his committee role amid ethical scrutiny and was subsequently censured by the House in 2010. However, he continued to represent his constituents until his retirement in 2017.
Rangel was the final surviving member of the influential Gang of Four, alongside notable figures such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson, New York’s former secretary of state. Rev. Al Sharpton remarked on Rangel’s activism, recalling their shared experiences of marching and painting crack houses together.
Current House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Rangel as a “patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice,” affirming the positive impact Rangel had on Harlem, New York City, and the nation as a whole.
Rangel’s voice, often characterized by its gravelly tone, was a defining feature of his personality. His take on issues, particularly his strong opposition to the Iraq War, resonated widely. He famously coined the term “death tax” in reference to the war, describing its disproportionate effects on poor people and minorities. In an unusual legislative maneuver, he introduced a bill to reinstate the military draft in an attempt to end the conflict. Ironically, when the bill was brought to vote, Rangel himself voted against it.
His discord with politics often led to fiery exchanges, including a notable conflict with then-Vice President Dick Cheney. Rangel once suggested that Cheney’s health issues might be the reason for his political stances, stating, “I would like to believe he’s sick rather than just mean and evil.” Cheney shot back, calling Rangel “losing it.”
Rangel’s ascent to Congress in 1971 was marked by his rivalry with Powell, who, despite being a political icon since 1944, was faltering due to ill health and scandal. In a triumphant bid in 1987, Congress adopted the “Rangel amendment,” which prohibited U.S. companies from claiming foreign tax credits while investing during the apartheid era in South Africa.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlighted Rangel’s pivotal role in encouraging her to run for the Senate in 2000. Former President Bill Clinton recalled collaborating with Rangel in the 1990s to expand tax credits for businesses investing in economically distressed regions.
Rangel faced significant challenges in 2010 when an ethics committee investigation led to his conviction on 11 violations, including failing to pay taxes on a vacation property and fraudulently soliciting donations from corporations with interests before his committee. These findings resulted in a censure from the House, marking the harshest punishment available short of expulsion.
Despite these obstacles, Rangel remained committed to his constituents. He was instrumental in creating empowerment zones that provided tax credits to businesses that relocated to economically disadvantaged areas, as well as initiatives to promote low-income housing development. In 2012, he made clear his dedication to advocacy, stating, “I have always been committed to fighting for the little guy.”
Born on June 11, 1930, Rangel earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star during the Korean War. He often measured his life’s ups and downs against the harrowing experiences he faced during wartime, a sentiment he captured in the title of his autobiography: “And I Haven’t Had A Bad Day Since.” Rangel’s journey from a high school dropout to a congressman was made possible through the G.I. Bill, which funded his education at New York University and St. John’s University Law School.
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