What was Charlie Rangel's net worth?
Charlie Rangel was an American politician who had a net worth of $2.5 million at the time of his death. Charlie Rangel died on May 26, 2025, at the age of 94.
Charles B. Rangel was a towering figure in American politics, known for his sharp wit, political longevity, and deep roots in Harlem's civic life. Over a congressional career that spanned 46 years, Rangel became one of the most powerful African American lawmakers in U.S. history. First elected to Congress in 1970 after unseating the legendary Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Rangel built a reputation as a savvy, pragmatic legislator who helped shape national policy on taxation, trade, health care, and urban development. He became the first Black chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and was widely regarded as the dean of New York's congressional delegation.
A decorated war veteran, civil rights advocate, and fierce defender of his district, Rangel played a pivotal role in mentoring generations of political leaders while securing billions in federal investment for underserved communities. Though his career was marred late by ethics violations that led to a formal censure in 2010, Rangel remained a beloved figure in Harlem and a key player in the Democratic establishment. His political legacy is marked by legislative achievements, generational influence, and an unyielding commitment to public service, forged in the crucible of war and sharpened on the streets of New York.
Early Life and Military Service
Charles Bernard Rangel was raised in Harlem in a working-class household during the Great Depression. His mother was a seamstress and domestic worker; his father, often absent and abusive, left the family when Charles was still a child. A self-described truant and underachiever in school, Rangel's early prospects seemed dim—until he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18.
During the Korean War, Rangel served with distinction. In 1950, he led members of his all-Black unit to safety after being wounded and trapped behind enemy lines at the Battle of Kunu-ri. For his bravery, he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. The experience changed the course of his life, inspiring both his later memoir title—And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since—and his commitment to service and leadership.
Education and Legal Career
After returning from Korea, Rangel completed his high school diploma and enrolled at New York University, where he made the dean's list and graduated in 1957. He then earned a law degree from St. John's University School of Law in 1960. He quickly moved into public service, working as an assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan under Robert Morgenthau.
Rangel entered politics in 1966, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly. In 1970, he ran for Congress and narrowly defeated Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a civil rights icon who had become embroiled in controversy. That victory marked the beginning of a historic congressional career.
Congressional Rise and Legislative Influence
In Congress, Rangel cultivated a reputation as a master negotiator and a coalition-builder. He was instrumental in the formation of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and steadily rose through the ranks of the Democratic Party. He became the first Black member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in 1974 and, after decades of seniority, ascended to chair the committee in 2007.
As chair, Rangel had a central role in shaping tax policy, trade agreements, Medicare, and Social Security. He championed legislation that expanded the earned income tax credit, promoted affordable housing through tax incentives, and funneled federal dollars into "empowerment zones" aimed at revitalizing low-income neighborhoods. He was also a leading voice on foreign trade with Africa and the Caribbean.
Despite his liberal credentials, Rangel often worked with Republicans and was known for his strategic pragmatism. He regularly won reelection by overwhelming margins in a district that spanned Harlem, parts of the Bronx, and later Washington Heights and Queens.
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Scandal and Censure
Rangel's storied career took a sharp turn in the late 2000s. In 2010, the House Ethics Committee found that he had committed multiple violations, including failing to report hundreds of thousands in income and assets, using rent-stabilized apartments for campaign purposes, and soliciting charitable donations from companies with business before his committee.
On December 2, 2010, at the age of 80, Rangel stood silently as the House formally censured him by a vote of 333 to 79. It was the first congressional censure in nearly three decades and only the 23rd in U.S. history. While Rangel maintained that the infractions were largely due to carelessness rather than corruption, the incident left a permanent blemish on his legacy and forced him to step down from the Ways and Means chairmanship.
Harlem Legacy and the "Gang of Four"
Rangel was the last surviving member of Harlem's legendary "Gang of Four," which also included David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson. Together, they formed the backbone of New York's Black political establishment for decades. Rangel was deeply involved in Democratic politics across the city and played a major role in persuading Hillary Clinton to run for the U.S. Senate in 2000.
In his later years, Rangel faced growing challenges from a changing district, as Harlem's demographics shifted. He survived a tough primary in 2012 but ultimately retired in 2016, endorsing Adriano Espaillat, who would become the first Dominican-American elected to Congress and his official successor.
Personal Life and Death
Rangel married Alma Carter, a social worker, in 1964. The couple had two children and remained married until her death. Throughout his life, Rangel maintained a strong presence in Harlem, continuing to live just blocks from where he was born. He was widely known for his booming voice, sharp humor, and signature mustache.
Charles Rangel died on May 26, 2025, at Harlem Hospital at the age of 94. His death marked the end of an era in New York politics. Though not without controversy, Rangel's life was defined by resilience, service, and an unwavering connection to the community that shaped him. He leaves behind a complex but indelible legacy as one of the most enduring Black lawmakers in American history.