Engel for Congress is the official campaign committee for Rep. Eliot Engel, Chair of Foreign Affairs From teacher and guidanc ... e counselor to State Assembly then on to the halls of Congress He is the son of an ironworker and a homemaker, born in the Bronx and raised in public housing. Eliot’s family instilled in him a love of country and the importance for community service. After attending New York City public schools, Eliot earned a BA degree from Hunter-Lehman College, followed by an MA degree from Lehman College of the City University of New York. He later attended New York Law School part-time, earning his law degree at night. Eliot began his career as a teacher, then a guidance counselor in New York City public schools in the South Bronx. He became active in his community, working with activist groups and neighborhood organizations to improve peoples’ lives. With his dedication, talent and enthusiasm Eliot quickly became a leader in the community, with a reputation for getting things done. Years later, the Wall Street Journal would go on to call Eliot the ”Mayor of his District” because of his community work as a Congressman. His community involvement led Eliot to become a candidate for State Assembly in a 1977 Special Election. As an independent reform Democrat, he ran as a third-party candidate defeating the handpicked candidate of the old Bronx Democratic Party machine and a Republican. Eliot realized he could do even more for people on the Federal level. In 1988 was elected to Congress, again as an independent reform Democrat. He has dedicated his time in Congress to pursuing progressive values, driven by a true commitment to humanity, justice and equality. He has earned a reputation as an effective Member of Congress who knows how to get results. Eliot’s record of achievement resulted in him being named one of the “The Top Ten Most Effective Democratic Member of Congress” for two Congresses in a row by the independent Center for Effective Lawmaking. read more