2025 has been a hard year in American politics, marked by the loss of several influential leaders. From lawmakers to more contemporary figures, their passing leaves a noticeable gap in politics. As the country reflects on their legacies, we look back at the U.S. politicians who died in 2025.
Charles B. Rangel (U.S. Representative)
Charles B. Rangel, Harlem’s own political legend, died on May 26, 2025, at 94. To his neighbors, he wasn’t a headline — he was “Charlie.” A war hero turned congressman, Rangel spent over forty years serving the same streets he grew up on. “He’d take the time and talk to you,” said Nadine Pittman. He was one of the House of Representatives’ longest-serving members, ranking ninth in continuous service in U.S. history.
Gerald (E.) Connolly (U.S. Representative)
Representative Gerald E. Connolly, the 75-year-old Virginia congressman who never backed down from a fight, died on the 21st May, 2025, at home. Known for calling out “unlawful firings and impoundments,” he once beat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to lead the House Oversight Committee. Connolly championed civil servants and spent decades defending them from political interference.
Sylvester Turner (U.S. Representative)
Sylvester Turner, 70, died on 5 March 2025, just two months into his first term in Congress. The former Houston mayor once said, “Cancer does not mean the end,” and he proved it by serving until his last day. Colleagues called him tireless. Houston called him family.
David L. Boren (Governor and U.S. Senator)
David L. Boren, Oklahoma’s youngest governor at 33 and later a three-term U.S. senator, died on the 20 February 2025 at 83. A Rhodes scholar turned reformer, he once vowed to “sweep out the old guard.” He fought partisanship, championed education, and reminded America that power means little without purpose.
Richard J. Howrigan (Vermont House of Representatives)
Dick Howrigan, a man who “had more degrees than a thermometer,” died at 91 on 18 January 2025, after a lifetime of service, laughter, and community spirit. A former Vermont House Representative and Fairfield Fire Chief, he could “talk two starving dogs off a meat wagon.” He served proudly, taught passionately, and stayed wonderfully himself.
Chuck Hardwick (State Assembly Member)
Chuck Hardwick, who led New Jersey’s Assembly from 1986 to 1990, died at 83. Governor Phil Murphy called him “a dedicated public servant and a significant force across our state.” Hardwick served Union County for 14 years, ran for governor in 1989.
Thomas W. Hoover (New Mexico House of Representatives)
Thomas “Tom” Hoover, 92, a former New Mexico lawmaker and city council president, died April 5, 2025. A mechanical engineer turned public servant, he helped create Albuquerque’s quality-of-life tax funding the BioPark and Balloon Museum. “He built things that lasted,” friends said—including a life defined by service, music, and love.
Malachi F. Anderson (Maine House of Representatives)
Malachi F. Anderson, 93, passed away June 18, 2025. A Korean War veteran, former Maine legislator, and lifelong businessman, he ran Malachi Anderson Excavation in Woodland. Known for his handshake deals and love of motorcycles, he often rode alongside his wife, Sharill, proving service and adventure can share the same road.
Bruce Anderson (Minnesota State Senator)
Minnesota State Sen. Bruce Anderson, 73, died unexpectedly on July 21, 2025. A Vietnam veteran turned lawmaker, he served in both the House and Senate, championing veterans and farmers alike. “His kindness and deep commitment to service will be missed,” said Sen. Aric Putnam. In Buffalo, they’re simply calling him irreplaceable.
Charlie Kirk (Political Activist)
Charlie Kirk, 31, died on 10 September 2025 after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The conservative activist behind Turning Point USA built a career on charisma, once declaring, “We want to transform the culture.” Whether loved or loathed, Kirk knew how to make politics impossible to ignore.
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