Nita Lowey represented New York as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 2021.
- Died: March 15, 2025 (Who else died on March 15?)
- Details of death: Died at her home in Harrison, New York of breast cancer at the age of 87.
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Nita Lowey’s legacy
Lowey won her very first bid for Congress, flipping New York’s 20th District and unseating the two-term Republican incumbent, Rep. Joe DioGuardi. After her early electoral splash, she remained a force to be reckoned with in the House, rising to become the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
In the years leading up to her congressional career, Lowey was a graduate of Mount Holyoke College who worked in advertising before stepping aside to raise her children. In 1974, she worked on Mario Cuomo’s (1932–2015) campaign for lieutenant governor. She was then New York’s assistant secretary of state, serving from 1975 to 1988. While in that office, she became active with local women’s political groups, leading up to her successful campaign for national office.
A longtime member of the House Appropriations Committee during her years in Congress, Lowey was also the first woman to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She worked to preserve reproductive rights and was a champion of education and low-cost housing. Among her notable moments in Congress was when she appeared at a congressional hearing on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, accompanied by such “Sesame Street” characters as Bert and Ernie, to argue for the importance of federal funding for the educational programming.
In 2000, after 12 years in Congress, Lowey considered a run for Senate. However, knowing that First Lady Hillary Clinton was also considering seeking the seat opened by Sen. Daniel Moynihan’s (1927–2003) retirement, Lowey said she’d defer to Clinton if she chose to run. Clinton did run, and she subsequently won the seat. Lowey remained in the House through 2021, after announcing she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2020.
Notable quote
“You are very fortunate. You live here in the United States of America, so you have the responsibility to continue to make life better for the next generation. So, when you see a problem, don’t just walk on — do something about it.” — from a 2020 interview for Westchester magazine
Tributes to Nita Lowey
Full obituary: The New York Times
