Nita M. Lowey, a trailblazing Democratic congresswoman who represented New York in Congress for 32 years, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at her home in Harrison, New York. She was 87 years old.
According to a statement from her family, obtained by local media, Lowey died following a lengthy battle with metastatic breast cancer.
“Nita’s family was central to her life as she was to all of ours,” the statement said. “We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life.”
Born Nita Sue Melnikoff in the Bronx, New York City, in 1937 to a homemaker mother and accountant father, Lowey grew up in the city and attended the Bronx High School of Science. She achieved a degree in political science from Mount Holyoke College in 1959.
In 1961, she married Stephen Lowey, a prominent attorney. The couple had three children and eight grandchildren. They resided in Queens, New York City, for a period, where they were neighbors with the Cuomo family, before relocating to Harrison in 1981.
Prior to her congressional career, Lowey worked on Mario Cuomo’s 1974 lieutenant governor campaign in New York and served as an assistant secretary of state for New York for 13 years, which helped her build political experience and connections.
Lowey’s journey in Congress began in 1988 when she narrowly defeated the incumbent Republican. She served 16 terms, representing constituents from 1989 until her retirement in 2021. Due to redistricting, she represented New York’s 20th, 18th, and 17th congressional districts at different times, covering Westchester and Rockland counties, along with parts of the Bronx and Queens.
Throughout her tenure, Lowey was recognized as a diligent legislator who sponsored over 500 bills, advocating strongly for women’s health issues, including increased funding for breast cancer research and equity in medical research.
In 2019, she became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, a key role in Congress overseeing federal spending.
As chairwoman, she had disputes with President Trump over funding for the border wall during an extended government shutdown in his first term. In 2019, after announcing her retirement, Lowey stated to local media: “The president is an embarrassment and as a member of Congress and as the leader of the appropriations committee, we have the responsibility to serve the people.”
Lowey’s influence extended beyond women’s health. She focused on improving food safety regulations, supporting legislation for clear allergen labeling on food products.
In 1995, she famously defended Public Television funding using Bert and Ernie hand puppets during an Appropriations Committee hearing.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Lowey played a significant role in securing over $20 billion in recovery funds for New York and was instrumental in obtaining federal funding for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge, a major infrastructure project in her district.
Lowey was a close ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton. She was a mentor to many women in politics, entering Congress when only 25 women were serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She was the first woman to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and almost ran for the Senate seat vacated by Daniel Patrick Moynihan before stepping aside for Hillary Clinton.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries paid tribute to Lowey, describing her as a “principled, passionate and powerful public servant.”
Throughout her career, Lowey sponsored and cosponsored numerous significant bills, including the International Violence Against Women Act, the Protect Access to Birth Control Act, and The Heroes Act. She was a staunch advocate for international aid and U.S.-Israel relations, promoting federal funding to combat AIDS and provide economic assistance to developing nations.
After announcing her retirement in 2019, Lowey did not seek re-election in 2020 and was succeeded by Mondaire Jones. She leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer for women in politics and a committed public servant dedicated to improving the lives of her constituents.
Lowey is survived by her husband Stephen, their three children, and eight grandchildren.