Renowned for serving in Congress for nearly five decades as a Harlem Democrat, an infamous founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus has died at age 94.
Former New York Representative Charles Rangel has left behind a legacy tainted by ethics violations.
Rangel was a Korean War hero and had a pioneering position as the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
However, his career was ultimately marred by a humiliating censure by the House for financial misconduct.
Rangel was part of New York’s influential “Gang of Four” African American political leaders.
He served 46 years in Congress before retiring in 2017, making him one of the longest-serving members in the chamber’s history.
His death comes just months after his wife Alma passed away last October at age 94.
Before entering politics, Rangel served in the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroism.
Despite his military background, the representative was vocally opposed to the Iraq War, where he frequently clashed with the Bush administration.
His anti-war stance often led to heated exchanges, including with then-Vice President Dick Cheney.
“I would like to believe he’s sick rather than just mean and evil,” Rangel once said Cheney.
While Rangel sponsored legislation for economically depressed areas, including empowerment zones and tax credits meant to revitalize urban communities, his career achievements were overshadowed by serious ethics violations.
In 2010, the House Ethics Committee found him guilty of 11 counts of financial misconduct, including failure to pay taxes, improper use of congressional resources, and soliciting donations using official letterhead.
The ethics investigation resulted in Rangel’s censure by the House in December 2010, the most serious punishment short of expulsion.
Despite this public humiliation, Rangel refused to resign and won reelection in his heavily Democrat district.
The scandal permanently damaged his reputation and legacy as one of the most powerful Black lawmakers in American history.
Rangel’s personal story included overcoming significant challenges. He was a high school dropout who later earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School.
His autobiography “And I Haven’t Had A Bad Day Since” reflects his resilient attitude despite controversies that would have ended many political careers.
“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,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The leader’s remarks highlight how some Democrats continue to overlook Rangel’s ethics violations in their tributes.
After Congress, Rangel became a statesman-in-residence at The City College of New York, where the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service bears his name.
Rangel’s death marks the end of an era in New York politics. He leaves behind a complicated legacy that includes significant legislative achievements and serious ethical failures that violated the public trust he was sworn to uphold.
