Charles Rangel, Former Harlem Congressman and Black Caucus Co-Founder, Dies at 94

Charles Rangel, a towering figure in American politics and longtime Democratic representative from Harlem, passed away Monday at the age of 94. His family confirmed his death, which occurred at a New York hospital.

A Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Rangel launched his congressional career in 1970 by unseating Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He went on to serve 46 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and, in 2007, the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Known for his gravelly voice, sharp wit, and fierce advocacy, Rangel was a vocal opponent of the Iraq War and a champion for social and economic justice. He was also one of New York’s influential “Gang of Four,” alongside David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson.

Despite a celebrated career, Rangel’s tenure was marred by an ethics scandal in 2010, which led to his censure by the House for multiple violations, including failure to pay taxes and misuse of congressional resources. Nevertheless, he remained popular among his constituents and served until his retirement in 2017.

A high school dropout turned lawyer and legislator, Rangel often credited his survival in the Korean War with shaping his perspective. He titled his memoir “And I Haven’t Had a Bad Day Since.”