He began his career in politics as a member of the state assembly, serving from 1977 to 1988. He was first elected to Congress in 1989 and served until 2021, when he conceded the 2020 election to Jamal Bowman.
Foreign Affairs Committee put him at odds with Trump
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 club and Turnberry 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.
Bowman ousted Engle, and in turn was done in by tons of money from the Israel lobby.