SAN DIEGO — Donald W. Rigel, who represented Michigan in Congress for nearly three decades under seven presidents, has died, his family said Sunday. He was 88 years old.
Rigel, who began his career as a Republican and then became a Democrat, died Friday of cardiac arrest at his home in San Diego, according to a family statement.
“Don is the cornerstone of our family and was a kind, loving, and courageous leader who taught us to stand up for justice, economic opportunity, and equity for all,” the statement read.
His family said Riegel was proud to fight for workers’ rights and lead the Senate’s opposition to NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement that led to many job losses in his home state. He pushed for economic development and health insurance expansion in Michigan.
The Flint, Michigan, native was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican in 1966 when he was 28 years old. As a congressman, he challenged President Richard Nixon’s policies on the Vietnam War and crossed the aisle to join the Democratic Party in 1973. Three years later, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until 1994.
As Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Rigel pushed for financial reforms to the savings and loan industry. He was later instrumental in treating Gulf War Syndrome for veterans who fought in the Persian Gulf in 1991.
Rigel was caught up in the Keating Five controversy, when he and four other senators faced Ethics Committee hearings in 1990 over whether they had pressured federal regulators to make it easier for Charles Keating to make savings and loans after receiving campaign contributions from him. The committee found that Riegel did not violate any federal laws or Senate rules, but decided that his conduct appeared to be inappropriate.
In 2001, Riegel became head of government relations for the public relations firm APCO Worldwide.
After his retirement, he spent time with his grandchildren and other family at his home in Michigan and California, his family said. His wife of 48 years, Lori Hansen Riegel, was by his side when he died, the statement said.
Memorial services are pending.