Barney Frank, a former Representative from Massachusetts, is currently in hospice care at his residence in Ogunquit, Maine, as he battles congestive heart failure.
In a recent conversation with Politico, the 86-year-old expressed that he feels “very good — no pain, no discomfort.” He acknowledged that while his heart condition is challenging, he is taking this time to relax at home.
Frank served Massachusetts’s 4th congressional district from 1981 until his retirement in 2013, and prior to that, he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives starting in 1972.
During his extensive career, he held various leadership roles within the House Democratic Party and committees, notably the chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2011. This era coincided with the 2008 financial crisis, and he was instrumental in drafting the Dodd-Frank Act, which set new regulations for the financial sector.
His legislative contributions extended to federal budgeting, taxation, and social programs, where he served as a strong advocate for the Democratic Party’s priorities, whether they were in power or not.
As a senior figure in the party, Frank wielded considerable influence in discussions surrounding economic policy and financial regulations throughout his career, making him a key voice within the Democratic leadership.
EXCLUSIVE: Liberal icon Barney Frank is entering hospice care.
One of his final acts: A book repudiating progressive Dems, who he says have “embraced an agenda that goes beyond what’s politically acceptable.”
One of his regrets: “I won’t see the continued implosion of Donald…
— POLITICO (@politico) April 28, 2026
