Charles Rangel, the longtime Harlem congressman and influential Democratic lawmaker, has died at the age of 94, with many dignitaries paying tribute on Monday.

The family confirmed the death in a statement provided by City College of New York spokesperson Michelle Stent. He died at a hospital in New York, Stent said.

Rangel was the last surviving member of the influential political coalition known as the "Gang of Four."

Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War, defeated legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in 1970 to start his Congressional career. 

Rangel went on to serve in Congress for 46 years, becoming one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington.

In 2007, he rose to chair the House Ways and Means Committee, making him the first African American to hold that position. He stepped down from that committee amid an ethics cloud, and the House later censured him. But he was reelected and went on to serve in Congress until 2017.

He was succeeded by Adriano Espaillat in the 13th Congressional District.

In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams said, "Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country — first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and a congressman. For nearly 50 years, he represented his community as one of our city’s greatest elected leaders."

"I am so sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage. My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him. Rest in power, my friend, and I hope you and Alma are together once again," Adams added. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul shared on X Monday morning that Rangel earned his title "The Lion of Harlem" for his "decades of public service" and "commitment to his community."

"We are all heartbroken at this immense loss," Hochul added.