Former Bronx Congressman Eliot Engel died at the age of 79 on Friday, his family said in a statement.
Engel, who also represented voters in Westchester during his 16 terms in Congress, served as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives for 31 years. He was defeated at the polls in the 2020 Democratic primary by middle school principal Jamaal Bowman, who would go on to win that year’s general election.
Engel passed away in the Bronx surrounded by family.
“During his over 44 years in public service, Eliot Engel fought tirelessly for his constituents at home and for peace and security around the world,” the statement from the congressman’s family read. “We love and miss him dearly.”
Engel was a longtime ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which he chaired in his final two terms in office.
“I had the honor of serving alongside Eliot, who fought tirelessly for the people he served,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts today.”
Harry Hamburg / New York Daily News
Rep. Eliot Engel is sworn in on Jan 2, 1989, in Washington. (Harry Hamburg / New York Daily News)
Engel made his political debut in the 1977 special election for the seat vacated by state State Assemblyman Alan Hochberg, a Democrat, who resigned following his indictment on bribery charges the year before. Engel eked out a narrow victory over Theodore Weinstein to claim the seat he would hold for more than a decade.
In 1988, Engel campaigned for New York’s 19th Congressional District, defeating 10-term incumbent Mario Biaggi in the Democratic primary. He championed liberal causes, including a woman’s right to choose, gun control regulations and healthcare reform, throughout his 16-terms in Congress.
Debbie Egan-Chin / New York Daily News
Congressman Eliot Engel in his office in the Bronx on Aug. 23, 2001. (Debbie Egan-Chin / New York Daily News)
He was also known as a champion of Kosovo’s independence and a strong ally of Albania, and advocated for NATO intervention against Serbia in the 1990s.
“Eliot will be remembered as a passionate defender of human rights and a powerful voice for his constituents in Westchester and the Bronx,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, whose district covers northern Manhattan and part of the Bronx. “Eliot’s diplomatic efforts sought to improve the lives of millions and elevate the moral standing of the United States of America around the world. … This world needs more statesmen like Eliot Engel.”