Eliot Engel, former New York congressman from the Bronx, dies at 79

Eliot Engel, the former New York congressman from the Bronx, died Friday, his family said in a statement. He was 79. 

The Democrat represented parts of Westchester County and the north Bronx in the House of Representatives for over 30 years from 1989-2021. 

Engel's family said he died peacefully and surrounded by family "in the borough that raised him: The Bronx."

"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 family said. "We love and miss him dearly." 

Engel was first elected to Congress in 1988, defeating a 10-term incumbent. In 2020, he was defeated in the Democratic primary by Jamaal Bowman, who went on to serve two terms. 

Engel served as ranking member and chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the final years of his tenure.

"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 ... helped shape U.S. policy on the global stage," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement. "His legacy is one of commitment, conviction and service."

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres said Engel "was a giant of New York politics and one of the greatest champions the Bronx has ever had in Congress," in a statement on social media.  

"He served for more than three decades with unyielding dedication, fighting for his constituents and standing up for democracy around the world," Torres said. "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. My deepest condolences go to his family and all who loved him."

Gov. Kathy Hochul said 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," the governor said. 

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler credited Engel as "somebody who was always there, always present, and really engaged on the issues." 

"It's a tremendous loss," he told CBS News New York. "Growing up, he was my congressman. He represented a good portion of Rockland County in the early 2000s, right after 9/11."

Engel was a member of the New York State Assembly for over 10 years before he became a congressman.