Liberals could not stand him, especially when he crossed party lines. David Horowitz, a well-known conservative commentator who rose from radical leftist roots to become one of America’s most influential right-wing voices, died at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer. The David Horowitz Freedom Center, founded in 1988, announced his death.
A Life of Political Transformation
David Horowitz was born on January 10, 1939, in New York City to parents deeply committed to progressive left ideologies. His early political views reflected his upbringing, leading him to edit the left-wing magazine “Root & Branch” during his college years. Throughout the 1960s, Horowitz was firmly entrenched in radical left circles, associating with figures including Black Panther leader Huey Newton. However, by 1969, Horowitz began experiencing growing disillusionment with leftist movements, recognizing what he would later describe as their totalitarian tendencies.
The pivotal moment in Horowitz’s political transformation came in 1975 following the murder of Betty Van Patter, a colleague he had recommended for a position with the Black Panthers. This tragedy forced Horowitz to reconsider his political allegiances and worldview. By 1984, his transition to conservatism was complete, marked by his vote for Republican President Ronald Reagan. This dramatic shift from far-left to conservative would define the remainder of his career and establish him as a unique voice in American political discourse.
Today we lost a Titan, David Horowitz
This video of him in 2010 shows his gift for cutting through the noise
He started his life as a radical communist, but ended on the right
He gives me hope for the young Marxist Jews on college campuses today
— Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) April 30, 2025
Building a Conservative Legacy
In 1988, Horowitz founded what would eventually become the David Horowitz Freedom Center, establishing a platform for his advocacy of conservative causes. Through this organization, he launched FrontPage Magazine, an online publication that would become a significant voice in conservative media. His personal journey from left to right gave him unique insights into progressive politics, which he leveraged in numerous books and articles criticizing the Democratic Party and leftist movements.
Over four decades, Horowitz established himself as an influential conservative commentator and activist. His work spanned multiple fronts – from campus activism and challenges to academic leftism to sharp critiques of progressive policies. Horowitz maintained a prolific writing schedule throughout his life, producing books that included “Radical Son” (1997), his autobiography detailing his political journey, and “The Politics of Bad Faith” (1998), examining his disillusionment with left-wing ideologies.
Rest in Peace to my father @horowitz39 . We love you Dad.
David Joel Horowitz was born January 10, 1939 to Phil and Blanche Horowitz in Queens, New York. David was raised in Queens along with his sister Ruth. Phil and Blanche were high school teachers and members of the… pic.twitter.com/c7PG6zE60W
— benahorowitz.eth (@bhorowitz) April 30, 2025
Political Metamorphosis
Horowitz frequently reflected on his ideological transformation, seeing it as a necessary awakening from what he came to view as dangerous political illusions. His ability to articulate his journey made him particularly effective in debates with progressive opponents, as he could often anticipate and counter their arguments based on his own past experiences. This perspective gave his commentary a distinctive edge in conservative circles and made him a uniquely valuable voice in right-wing discourse.
Horowitz’s death on April 29, 2024, marks the end of a significant chapter in American conservative thought. In announcing his passing, the David Horowitz Freedom Center highlighted his decades-long commitment to advancing conservative principles and opposing what he viewed as dangerous progressive ideologies. His journey from radical leftist to conservative icon represents one of the most notable political transformations in modern American politics, and his written works continue to influence conservative thinking on college campuses and beyond.