Statement on the Passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel

With deep sorrow and profound respect, the family of The Honorable Charles B. Rangel announces his passing on May 26, 2025, at the age of 94.
A towering figure in American politics and a champion for justice, equity, and opportunity, Congressman Rangel dedicated over four decades of his life to public service. Representing what is now New York’s 13th Congressional Districts from 1971 to 2017, he was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. The final living member of Harlem’s Gang of Four political coalition, Charlie was affectionately known as “The Lion of Lenox Avenue.”
Born on June 11, 1930, in Harlem, New York, Congressman Rangel rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential voices in American legislative history. A decorated Korean War veteran, he returned home to earn degrees from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law, beginning a lifelong pursuit of justice, civil rights, and community empowerment.
Throughout his career, Congressman Rangel fought tirelessly for affordable housing, urban revitalization, fair tax policies, and equal opportunities for all Americans. His legacy lives on through the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at The City College of New York, which continues to inspire and train new generations of public servants.
Congressman Rangel, who was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Alma, is survived by his son, Steven Rangel (Adelina), daughter Alicia Rangel Haughton (Howard), three grandsons, Howard R. Haughton, Joshua R. Haughton and Charles R. Haughton, and a host of family and friends. Private services will be held followed by a public Celebration of Life. Details will be shared in the coming days.
The Rangel family extends its heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

Charles Bernard Rangel, born on June 11, 1930, in Harlem, New York City, emerged from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in American politics. Raised by his mother, Blanche Wharton, and his maternal grandfather after his father left the family, Rangel’s early life was marked by economic hardship. Despite dropping out of high school, he joined the U.S. Army at 17, seeking to support his family and find direction in life .

Rangel’s military service during the Korean War was both harrowing and transformative. Serving in the 503rd Artillery Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division, he displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Kunu-ri, leading over 40 men to safety after being trapped behind enemy lines. For his heroism, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, and three battle stars . Reflecting on his service, Rangel credited the Army with exposing him to a life beyond the poverty he had known, stating, “When I was exposed to a different life, even if that life was just the Army, I knew damn well I couldn’t get back to the same life I had left.”

Upon returning to civilian life, Rangel took advantage of the G.I. Bill to complete his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University in 1957 and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 1960 . His legal career began at the black-owned law firm Weaver, Evans & Wingate, where he gained a reputation for defending civil rights activists. In 1961, he was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, working under U.S. Attorney Robert Morgenthau.

Rangel’s political career commenced with his election to the New York State Assembly in 1966. In 1970, he made a significant leap to national politics by unseating the incumbent Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in the Democratic primary for New York’s 18th congressional district . This victory marked the beginning of a congressional tenure that would span 46 years, making him one of the longest-serving members in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Throughout his time in Congress, Rangel was a steadfast advocate for civil rights and economic justice. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971, he worked to amplify the voices of African Americans in the legislative process . He was also a key figure in the “Gang of Four,” a coalition of influential Harlem politicians that included David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton, who collectively reshaped New York City’s political landscape .

Rangel’s legislative achievements are numerous and impactful. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which incentivized the development of affordable housing. He was instrumental in the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, contributing to the expansion of healthcare access for millions of Americans . Additionally, his “Rangel Amendment” in 1987 sought to deny tax benefits to U.S. companies investing in apartheid-era South Africa, reflecting his commitment to global human rights .

In 2007, Rangel achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, overseeing taxation, trade, and social welfare programs . His tenure as chairman was marked by efforts to reform the tax code and strengthen social safety nets. However, his career faced turbulence in 2010 when the House of Representatives censured him for ethics violations related to financial disclosures and misuse of resources .

Despite the censure, Rangel remained a respected figure in Congress until his retirement in 2017. He continued to advocate for policies addressing economic disparities and urban development. His dedication to public service extended beyond his legislative work; he served as a statesman-in-residence at the City College of New York, mentoring future leaders and promoting civic engagement .

Rangel’s personal life was deeply rooted in Harlem, where he met his wife, Alma Carter, at the Savoy Ballroom. They married in 1964 and had two children and three grandchildren. Alma passed away in 2024, a year before Rangel’s own death . Throughout his life, Rangel remained a devoted family man and a proud son of Harlem.

His contributions to American society were recognized through numerous awards and honors. He received the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and several honorary degrees from institutions such as Hofstra University and Bard College . These accolades reflect the breadth of his impact on both local and national levels.

Charles Rangel passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 94 . His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and constituents alike, who lauded his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and public service. As a war hero, trailblazing legislator, and community advocate, Rangel’s legacy endures as a testament to the profound difference one individual can make in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Charles B. Rangel, who died Monday at age 94, leaves behind a towering legacy in Harlem, his birthplace and longtime home, which he proudly represented in Congress for over 40 years. Known to many simply as “Charlie,” Rangel was as much a fixture of the local community as he was a national political figure.

At American Legion Post 398—just blocks from his home—veterans, friends, and longtime Harlem residents remembered him warmly on Memorial Day. To them, Rangel was not just a statesman, but a neighbor who always took time to connect with people on a personal level. Nadine Pittman, a Legion Auxiliary member, said he was “down-to-earth with the people” and “took the time to talk to you.”

Rangel’s journey began in Harlem and took him to DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, but he left school early to join the Army in 1948. During the Korean War, he displayed remarkable courage, earning a Bronze Star after leading his all-Black unit to safety under fire. His military service profoundly shaped his worldview and sense of public duty.

After returning home, Rangel launched a political career that began with a 1966 win in the New York State Assembly. In 1970, he defeated longtime incumbent Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to win a seat in Congress, starting a historic tenure that would span 23 terms.

In Congress, Rangel became a trailblazer. He was the first Black member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in 1974, and more than 30 years later, he became its first Black chairman. His career, however, was not without controversy; in 2010, he was censured over ethical violations including tax improprieties, but he continued to serve until his retirement in 2017.

Rangel was part of Harlem’s influential “Gang of Four,” alongside David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton, who reshaped city and state politics. Despite his rise to power, Rangel never left Harlem—living for decades in Lenox Terrace, not far from where he grew up.

To those around him, Rangel was more than a politician. G. Rod Roderick, a Vietnam veteran and former commander of Post 398, said Rangel was a familiar face at parades, R.O.T.C. events, and weekly jazz concerts. His wife, Alma, who passed away in 2024, shared a deep love of jazz and often joined him at local gatherings.

William Frieson, a Navy veteran, met Rangel in 1977 and became a close friend, despite political disagreements. “His political so-and-so is different than our friendship,” Frieson said. “He was a hell of an individual.” Their bond reflected the congressman’s ability to connect across differences.

Though his appearances at the Legion post became less frequent in recent years, Rangel remained a community presence. Whether seen dining at Sylvia’s or strolling near Lenox Terrace, he never drifted far from his roots. As Diane Walters, another Auxiliary member, put it: “He stayed in his community.”

For Harlem residents, Rangel was not just their representative; he was family. “When you said ‘Harlem representative,’ the first thing that came to mind was Charlie,” said Roderick. “You never thought of anyone else.” His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy endures in the neighborhood he loved and served.