David Horowitz, a prominent conservative commentator, author, and activist, passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 86 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death was announced by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, the conservative think tank he founded in 1998.
Born on January 10, 1939, in Queens, New York, Horowitz began his political journey as a Marxist and was an active member of the New Left during the 1960s and early 1970s. However, he underwent a significant ideological transformation, becoming a vocal critic of leftist ideologies and emerging as a leading figure in the conservative movement. He chronicled this shift in his 1996 memoir, Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey.
Throughout his career, Horowitz was known for his staunch opposition to what he perceived as liberal biases in academia and media. He founded the David Horowitz Freedom Center to promote conservative viewpoints and challenge leftist ideologies. Additionally, he was the editor of *FrontPage Magazine*, a publication associated with the center, and directed *Discover the Networks*, a website tracking individuals and groups on the political left.
Horowitz’s views and writings often sparked controversy. Critics accused him of promoting Islamophobic rhetoric, and the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled his organization as an “anti-Muslim” hate group due to its persistent campaigns against Muslim student organizations and propagation of discredited claims about Islamic law infiltrating the U.S. legal system, noted some reports.
Despite the controversies, Horowitz remained a significant figure in conservative circles. He authored several books and was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump. In a poignant moment shared by his son, Benjamin Horowitz, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, President Trump spoke with Horowitz during his hospitalization, lifting his spirits during his final days.
Horowitz is survived by his wife, April Mullvain, his sons Benjamin and Jonathan, and daughter Anne. His daughter Sarah Rose predeceased him in 2008. His family remembered him as a “super hero” who dedicated his life to advocating for freedom and civil discourse. His passing marks the end of a complex and influential career that left a lasting impact on American political discourse.
Photo: Gage Skidmore
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