Nita Lowey (July 5, 1937 – March 15, 2025) was a distinguished American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from New York for over three decades. Born in the Bronx, New York, she graduated as valedictorian from the Bronx High School of Science in 1955 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1959. Before entering Congress, Lowey worked on Mario Cuomo’s 1974 campaign for lieutenant governor and served as assistant secretary of state for New York for 13 years.
In 1988, Lowey was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Joe DioGuardi. She represented New York’s 20th congressional district, which later became the 18th and then the 17th due to redistricting. Throughout her tenure, she represented parts of Westchester and Rockland counties.
Lowey was renowned for her legislative prowess and bipartisan approach. She served on the House Appropriations Committee for 28 years and made history in 2018 by becoming its first female chair. Her legislative focus included women’s health, education, and increased funding for biomedical research. She was also a staunch supporter of public broadcasting and the Affordable Care Act.
In 2019, after serving 31 years in Congress, Lowey announced she would not seek re-election. She passed away on March 15, 2025, at her home in Harrison, New York, at the age of 87, following a battle with metastatic breast cancer. Her death marked the end of a remarkable career characterized by dedication to public service and significant legislative achievements.