Former New York U.S. Representative, U.S. Senate nominee Richard Ottinger dies following a brain hemorrhage
Ottinger's uncles Albert and Nathan were also a prominent government figures in New York.
Richard Ottinger was highly active in New York politics across three decades. Late last month, Ottinger underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage. After being given palliative care in the days that followed, he passed away on February 16, 2026 at his home in Mamaroneck, New York.
A Democrat, Ottinger was first elected to the United States House of Representatives from the 25th District of New York in 1964. He won two ensuing campaigns for his seat before instead choosing to seek a place in the United States Senate in 1970. Ultimately, Ottinger finished in second place in a three-way race, behind Conservative Party nominee James L. Buckley and ahead of Republican incumbent Charles Goodell.
Two years later, Ottinger attempted to make a comeback to the House via the 23rd District, but came up short to sitting Republican U.S. Representative Peter A. Peyser. He ran again in 1974 for Congress in the 24th District, this time victoriously. Ottinger was eventually moved to the 20th District before retiring from the House in 1985.
After departing from political office, Ottinger joined the faculty of the Pace University School of Law. He was named as the school’s Dean in 1994 and retired from teaching in 1999.
Richard Ottinger was a native of New York City. He graduated from high school at what is now the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut near Hartford before attending Cornell University, Harvard Law School and Georgetown University.
One of his uncles, Albert Ottinger, was a Republican member of the New York State Senate and U.S. Assistant Attorney General under two Presidents. Additionally, he was elected as Attorney General of New York twice and ran for Governor in 1928, narrowly losing to a man who himself would later become President of the United States. Another uncle, Nathan, was a Justice of the New York Supreme Court.
The younger Ottinger served in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of Captain. He was also a high-ranking official of the Peace Corps during his earlier career.