Former U.S. representative Elliot Engel, who served 16 terms in Congress and represented part of Westchester and the Bronx, has died on April 10 at age 79. Engel was born on Feb. 18, 1947, in the Bronx. The cause of Engel’s death was not immediately announced.
He attended Bronx public schools, Herbert H. Lehman College and New York Law School. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1977 and served there through 1988. In November of 1988, he was elected to Congress, serving on Capitol Hill from 1989 through 2021. Engel lost a primary for the Democratic nomination to run for another term to Jamaal Bowman, who was elected in 2020 to the New York 16th Congressional District seat.
Engel was an outspoken liberal voice both in Washington and in his home district. He was often seen at events in Westchester, especially those that advocated liberal causes. Engel was one of the most consistently pro-Israel representatives on Capitol Hill.
U.S. Rep. George Latimer, who now serves in the New York 16th Congressional District seat once held by Engel, said, “Eliot Engel devoted his lifetime to public service – as a teacher and as an elected official in Albany and Washington D.C. His legacy consists of hard work on issues and kindness to all. His work in helping bring peace to the Balkans in the 1990s was a major accomplishment, among many others. We mourn with his family, and extend to them our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, a tireless public servant who devoted more than three decades to representing the people of New York.
“Throughout his career, Congressman Engel was a fierce advocate for his constituents in Westchester and the Bronx. He was a champion of human rights and as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he helped shape U.S. policy on the global stage while never losing sight of the needs of the communities he represented at home.
“His legacy is one of commitment, conviction and service. He understood that public office is a responsibility to speak up, to stand firm and to deliver for the people who entrusted him with their voice.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact will be felt for generations.”
U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx praised Engel as “a giant of New York politics and one of the greatest champions the Bronx has ever had in Congress. He served for more than three decades with unyielding dedication, fighting for his constituents and standing up for democracy around the world. He was a trailblazer for the Bronx in Washington, and a fierce advocate for Kosovo and the Albanian community at a time when few others were paying attention.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “For over three decades, Congressman Eliot Engel dedicated himself to serving New Yorkers in Westchester and the Bronx, and New York is grateful for his service to our state. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “The son of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, Eliot Engel brought the best of the Bronx to Congress. I had the honor of serving alongside Eliot, who fought tirelessly for the people he served. I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts today.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recalled, “Even as he took on the weight of global challenges he carried the Bronx and Westchester with him. From building Mitchell Lama affordable housing to expanding health care coverage, to improving maternity care, to fighting for sensible gun control laws, he leaves behind a rich legacy of advocacy and impact.”
