In 2007, Rangel became the first African-American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees the nation’s tax code and entitlement programs.
But his tenure was cut short in 2010 after he was accused of 13 ethics violations. They included failing to pay income taxes, providing incomplete financial disclosures and using Congressional resources for personal activities. Rangel referred himself to the House Ethics Committee in an attempt to allay the charges.
Upon his return to the House, however, the Ethics Committee found him guilty of 11 violations. The saga ended that December when the House voted to censure one of its members. It was the first time the House had censured a lawmaker since 1983. Censure is the most severe punishment the chamber can inflict on a member, short of expulsion.
Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., emerged victorious Tuesday in what may have been the toughest race of his political career.
Rangel won the Democratic primary for the seat he has held since 1971 against state Sen. Adriano Espaillat.
