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 County 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. Hochul. “I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts today.”
“Eliot Engel was a giant of New York politics and one of the greatest champions the Bronx has ever had in Congress,” Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres said on X. “He served for more than three decades with unyielding dedication, fighting for his constituents and standing up for democracy around the world.”
Engel made his political debut in the 1977 special election for the seat vacated by 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.
He was also known as a champion of Kosovo’s independence, 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.”
Rep. Jerry Nadler of Manhattan tweeted: “Eliot Engel was one of my greatest colleagues and dearest friends in Congress — a true progressive, a lifelong Democrat, and a tireless champion for the people of the Bronx, Westchester and Rockland. As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he brought integrity and experience to America’s role in the world, and he was an unwavering friend to Israel throughout his decades of service. His legacy of service to New York and the nation will not be forgotten.”
The son of an ironworker and a homemaker, Engel was born in the Bronx and raised in public housing. He attended public schools, earned a B.A. from Hunter-Lehman College, an M.A. from CUNY’s Lehman College and his law degree attending New York Law School at nights.
Before entering politics, Engel was a teacher and guidance counselor in the city’s public schools.