FormerU.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel,who represented New York's Harlem neighborhood for nearly a half century, has died at the age of 94. Rangel, a Democrat, was a fixture in Congress from 1971 through 2017, and before that a two-term New York state assemblyman. He was the final surviving member of Harlem's "gang of four," a coalition of political leaders that also included former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and Percy Sutton, a lawyer and civil rights activist. More: Charlie Rangel talks Obama, Nixon Current New York leaders paid tribute to Rangel in statements, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who said, "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," Adams added, referring to Rangel's wife of 60 years who died in 2024. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Former Congressman Charlie Rangel of New York dies at 94
