Eliot Engel, a former Democrat congressman who represented the north Bronx and parts of Westchester County in New York for 16 terms, has passed away. He was 79. “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,” his family said in a statement, according to CBS News. “We love and miss him dearly,” the statement continued. The 16-term incumbent was a longtime fixture in New York politics until he narrowly lost a Democratic primary to Jamaal Bowman in 2020.Read more: https://t.co/Mh9jGzi3oS — Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) April 10, 2026 CBS News shared further: Engel was first elected to Congress in 1988. He was defeated in the 2020 Democratic primary by Jamaal Bowman, the eventual winner in that year’s general election. 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.” Engel was a member of the New York State Assembly for over 10 years before he became a congressman. Several other lawmakers shared messages on social media in remembrance of the former Democratic congressman. “Eliot Engel was one of my greatest colleagues and dearest friends in Congress — a true progressive, a lifelong Democrat, and a tireless champion for the people of the Bronx, Westchester and Rockland,” Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) said. “As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he brought integrity and experience to America’s role in the world, and he was an unwavering friend to Israel throughout his decades of service. His legacy of service to New York and the nation will not be forgotten,” he continued. Eliot Engel was one of my greatest colleagues and dearest friends in Congress — a true progressive, a lifelong Democrat, and a tireless champion for the people of the Bronx, Westchester and Rockland. As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he brought integrity and… https://t.co/hF9KHbFKl7 — Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) April 10, 2026 “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel. As part of the same congressional class, I had the privilege of serving alongside Eliot for many years. He was a tireless advocate for his constituents in the Bronx and Westchester, and a fierce defender of democracy at home and across the globe,” Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA) commented. “My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and all those who had the privilege of working with him over the course of his distinguished career,” he added. I am saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel. As part of the same congressional class, I had the privilege of serving alongside Eliot for many years. He was a tireless advocate for his constituents in the Bronx and Westchester, and a fierce defender of… https://t.co/5e50dezpPN — Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) April 10, 2026 “I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, a remarkable public servant who fiercely advocated for the people of New York,” Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) said. “His leadership as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee will no doubt leave an indelible mark on American foreign policy. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and those who had the privilege to work alongside him,” he added. I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, a remarkable public servant who fiercely advocated for the people of New York. His leadership as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee will no doubt leave an indelible mark on American foreign… — Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (@RepGonzalez) April 10, 2026 More from The Journal News: Near the end of his congressional career, Engel served on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. As chairman of the committee, Engel helped spearhead efforts on a 2019 investigation into Department of State spending at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago private club and Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. Earlier that year, Engel joined other high-ranking Democrats calling for a formal Trump impeachment inquiry. Engel believed that Trump had committed obstruction of justice as the late Robert Mueller conducted an investigation into alleged foreign tampering with American elections. “The American people want, and deserve, the truth,” he said in a statement. There were multiple instances that put Engel at odds with Trump during Trump’s first term, including denouncing the administration’s exit from the Open Skies Treaty in 2020, proposed cuts to the 2021 International Affairs budget and more. The Congressman was known to show up for the State of the Union early on the morning of the speech to snag an aisle seat so he could greet the president on the house floor regardless whether the president was a Democrat or Republican. But that changed when Trump entered office in 2017.