Eliot Lance Engel is an American politician and former teacher who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 16th congressional district from 1989 to 2021, and as Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs from 2019 to 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented portions of the north Bronx and southern Westchester County, building a reputation as a moderate Democrat with a strong focus on foreign policy, particularly Middle East affairs, and was a staunch advocate for Israel and U.S.-Israel relations as well as a vocal critic of Iran. Born on February 18, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, Engel grew up in a Jewish family in that borough, specifically in a city housing project, and attended New York City public schools. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lehman College (part of the City University of New York) in 1969, a Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1972, and a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Herbert H. Lehman College in 1973. Prior to his federal career, Engel taught history at the Horace Mann School and worked as a teacher in the New York City Public Schools. He served in the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1988, where he focused on education and housing issues, chairing the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse as well as the Subcommittee on Mitchell-Lama Housing. His entry into Congress came after defeating incumbent Joseph DioGuardi in 1988, marking the start of a three-decade tenure.

In Congress, he was a vocal supporter of robust international alliances and sanctions against adversaries like Iran and Russia. His legislative efforts also included protecting Social Security, supporting veterans' benefits, and addressing public health issues, earning him bipartisan respect in some areas while drawing criticism from progressives for his establishment ties, perceived hawkish stances, support for certain military aid packages, and acceptance of donations from pro-Israel lobbies. Engel's career faced challenges, including a narrow 2020 primary defeat to progressive challenger Jamaal Bowman, amid accusations of being out of touch with changing district demographics and progressive priorities. Post-Congress, he has engaged in consulting and advocacy, including work with the Council on Foreign Relations, and maintained a presence on social media and in public discourse, reflecting on his career in government relations. Known for his affable demeanor and longevity in office, Engel's influence extended through key committee roles and relationships in both parties, though he was criticized for his role in controversial foreign policy votes.