Hillary Clinton is mourning the death of a longtime "friend" in the Democratic party who represented New York City's affluent suburbs.
Clinton, who served as Senator from New York in the 2000s, called Rep. Nita Lowey a "trailblazer, a progressive champion, a great representative, and my friend" in a social media post.
Lowey, 87, died Saturday after a battle with breast cancer, her family confirmed. She served the 17th district in New York City's northern suburbs, including Westchester County, where Clinton lives.
She was a trailblazer, a progressive champion, a great representative, and my friend. We’ll miss you, Nita. https://t.co/kXQNfW0Buf pic.twitter.com/JO0cNjVkTI
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 16, 2025
Lowey died at her home in Harrison on Saturday. New York governor Kathy Hochul (D) ordered flags lowered to half-staff.
“Nita has quietly and bravely battled metastatic breast cancer in recent years with the same tenacity and strength that she fought throughout her 32-year career in Congress for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world," her family said.
“A public servant in the truest sense, she was guided by the Jewish core value of ‘Tikkun Olam,’ repairing the world,” the family's statement read. “She was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans."
First elected to the House in 1988, Lowey rose to become the first female leader of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which plays a role in controlling Congress' purse strings.
During her time in Congress, Lowey steered federal funding to combat AIDS and poverty in developing countries, ABC reported. She retired from Congress in 2021.
“Frankly to have a job that I love so very much made this a very difficult choice,” Lowey, told The Associated Press at the time. “But I just felt it was time."
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo called Lowey a "trailblazer," adding, "She will be missed."
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who flipped Lowey's seat red for the first time in decades, praised her "bipartisan spirit, commitment to our community, and dedication to the country."
Lowey is survived by her husband of 64 years, Stephen, three children, and eight grandchildren.
“We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life," her family said. “Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who had the honor of knowing and loving her, and to the millions of people whose lives she touched.”
