Ex-Rep. Charlie Rangel Dies at 94

Charlie Rangel, a former congressman from Harlem who was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the lone surviving member of the "Gang of Four," has died. He was 94.

Rangel was elected to the House of Representatives in 1971 after defeating Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

He served in Congress for 46 years, becoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2007.

Rangel represented what is now New York's 13th Congressional District and was a veteran who served in the Korean War where he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze star.

The City College of New York put out a statement Monday morning, confirming Rangel's death, referring to him as a war hero, history-making Congressman and longtime friend.

"He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. He was the primary sponsor of President Obama's historic health care reform law. Recognized as one of the hardest working legislators in Congress, he sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law throughout his tenure."

CCNY said Rangel's greatest legislative accomplishments included: championing the national Empowerment Zone program, Affordable Care Act, Low Income Housing Tax Credit, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, and the 'Rangel Amendment' which sounded the death knell of Apartheid in South Africa.

Even after retiring in 2017, Rangel remained in the political spotlight. He stayed busy with the City College and launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative to create jobs, particularly in the Bronx.

Rangel met the love of his life, Alma, on the dancefloor of the legendary Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1950s. She died last October, also at the age of 94. The couple has two children and several grandchildren.

There is no word yet on funeral arrangements.

Reaction pours in to news of Rangel's death

As news of his death spread, reaction started to pour in from across New York City and beyond.

"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 Mayor Eric Adams. "For nearly 50 years, he represented his community as one of our city's greatest elected leaders. I am so sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage. My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him. Rest in power, my friend, and I hope you and Alma are together once again."

Former Gov. David Paterson's father, Basil Paterson, was a member of the "Gang of Four," with David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Rangel.

"We lost one of the greats today. Charlie Rangel's commitment to public service was legendary. I grew up listening to him, my father, Percy Sutton and David Dinkins establish plans and follow them through to completion to enrich Harlem and our great state," Paterson said. "These were lessons from the fabled "Gang of Four" I took to heart and tried to adhere to throughout my own career in public service. Congressman Rangel's family are in our thoughts and prayers today. We are all better for his service and I am better for having had his friendship."

Sen. Charles Schumer remembered Rangel as a dear friend.

"One of my dearest friends in politics and life, a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents in Harlem and for the best of America," Schumer said. "He was brilliant, bold, funny and fearless all at once, the list of his accomplishments could fill pages, but one thing is certain, he left the world a lot better place than when he entered it.."

Rep. Adriano Espaillat took over Rangel's seat after he retired.

"Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion and commitment to upholding the values of our nation," Espaillat said in a statement. "I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, the friendship we developed over the years."

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries called him a transformational force of nature.

"Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent & champion for justice," Jeffries said. "The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force of nature. Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service. May he forever rest in power."

Rev. Al Sharpton remembered Rangel as a "lion of Harlem."

"Charlie was a true activist - we've marched together, been arrested together and painted crack houses together. After surviving the horrors of the Korean War, he made every day of his life count - whether it was coming home to get a law degree or becoming a fixture on the House of Representatives," Sharpton said in a statement. "Black excellence in Harlem, in New York, and in the United States survived because of the work Charlie and his cohorts did to keep it alive."

Gov. Kathy Hochul also reflected on the loss.

"Congressman Rangel earned the title The Lion of Harlem through decades of public service and a commitment to his community. When I was elected to Congress, he embraced me and welcomed me to the New York delegation. We are all heartbroken at this immense loss."