Ex-Rep. Charlie Rangel, fixture on Capitol Hill for nearly half a century, dead at 94

Former Congressman Charlie Rangel, a fixture on Capitol Hill for nearly half a century, has died, it was announced Monday. He was 94.

Rangel, a Harem political institution, was first elected to Congress in 1971 by defeating the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. for the seat.

In a statement Monday, the City College of New York confirmed Rangel’s death and posted a statement online calling him a champion for his Big Apple constituents.

“He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation,” the statement said.

Rangel was part of the Gang of Four, a political coalition from Harlem.