Leaving behind a legacy tainted by ethics violations, a Harlem Democrat who spent nearly 50 years in Congress has died at age 94.
Charles Rangel had a decorated military service and broke racial barriers as the first Black chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
However, his career ended in the shadow of 11 ethics violations, which resulted in his censure by the House of Representatives.
Rangel, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died this week after a lengthy political career that began in 1971.
He was part of New York’s influential “Gang of Four,” a group of prominent African American political figures who dominated Harlem politics for decades.
Before entering politics, Rangel served honorably in the Korean War, earning both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his bravery.
He frequently referenced this experience, titling his autobiography “And I Haven’t Had A Bad Day Since.”
His military service stood in stark contrast to his later opposition to the Iraq War, which drew criticism from those who supported America’s military efforts overseas.
Despite his accomplishments, Rangel’s reputation was permanently damaged in 2010 when the House Ethics Committee found him guilty of 11 ethics violations related to financial misconduct.
The charges included failure to pay taxes, improper solicitation of donations, and failure to disclose assets.
The House voted 333-79 to censure him, the most serious punishment short of expulsion. This forced him to stand in the well of the House while the Speaker read the resolution against him.
Rangel’s legislative record included work on the Affordable Care Act, which many conservatives view as government overreach into healthcare.
He sponsored the “Rangel Amendment” targeting U.S. companies investing in apartheid-era South Africa and created “empowerment zones” offering tax incentives for businesses in economically distressed areas.
The longtime congressman’s personal story is one of remarkable transformation.
A high school dropout who grew up in poverty, Rangel later earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School.
After leaving Congress in 2017, he continued his public service as a statesman-in-residence at The City College of New York, where the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service bears his name.
Tributes have poured in from politicians across the political spectrum, with many focusing on his decades of public service rather than his ethical lapses.
New York Mayor Eric Adams declared:
“Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country – first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and a congressman. 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.”
Rangel’s passing marks the end of an era in New York politics, as few remaining lawmakers can match his nearly half-century tenure in Congress.
Rangel’s wife Alma, whom he met at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, passed away last October at age 94.
