Richard Ottinger, an American politician and attorney who served in the United States House of Representatives, died on February 16, 2026.
He was 97. A member of the Democratic Party, Ottinger represented New York in the House from 1965 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1985.
He was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in 1970, when he was defeated by Conservative James Buckley. Born in New York City, he also served as a law professor and practiced international and corporate law after being admitted to the New York bar.
Richard Lawrence Ottinger (January 27, 1929 – February 16, 2026) was an American attorney, politician and law professor from the state of New York. A member of the Democratic Party, Ottinger served in the United States House of Representatives from 1965 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1985. Ottinger was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in 1970, but was defeated by Conservative James Buckley.