Jamaal Bowman
Jamaal Bowman (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing New York's 16th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2021. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.
Bowman (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 16th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 25, 2024.
Bowman won the Democratic primary for New York's 16th Congressional District on June 23, 2020.
Biography
Jamaal Bowman was born in New York, New York, and lives in Yonkers, New York.[1] Bowman earned a master's degree in counselor education from Mercy College and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Manhattanville College. His career experience includes working as a middle school principal and teacher.[1][2][3] Bowman founded Cornerstone Academy for Social Action.[1]
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2023-2024
Bowman was assigned to the following committees:[Source]
2021-2022
Bowman was assigned to the following committees:[Source]
- Committee on Education and the Workforce, Vice Chair
- Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee
- Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee
- Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee
- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- Energy, Chair
Key votes
- See also: Key votes
Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.
Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.
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Elections
2024
See also: New York's 16th Congressional District election, 2024
General election
The primary will occur on June 25, 2024. The general election will occur on November 5, 2024. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 16
Incumbent Jamaal Bowman, Marty Dolan, Michael Gerald, and George Latimer are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 16 on June 25, 2024.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 16
Madeline Brame and Chris Wright are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 16 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | ||
Madeline Brame | ||
Chris Wright |
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2022
See also: New York's 16th Congressional District election, 2022
General election
General election for U.S. House New York District 16
Incumbent Jamaal Bowman defeated Miriam Levitt Flisser in the general election for U.S. House New York District 16 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Jamaal Bowman (D / Working Families Party) | 64.2 | 133,567 | |
Miriam Levitt Flisser (R) | 35.7 | 74,156 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 205 |
Total votes: 207,928 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Ciampoli (R)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 16
Incumbent Jamaal Bowman defeated Vedat Gashi, Catherine Parker, and Mark Jaffe in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 16 on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Jamaal Bowman | 54.4 | 21,643 | |
Vedat Gashi | 25.1 | 10,009 | ||
Catherine Parker | 18.9 | 7,503 | ||
Mark Jaffe | 1.5 | 608 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 36 |
Total votes: 39,799 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Manuel Casanova (D)
- Michael Gerald (D)
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. John Ciampoli advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 16.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Aldo Vitagliano (R)
Working Families Party primary election
The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jamaal Bowman advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 16.
2020
See also: New York's 16th Congressional District election, 2020
New York's 16th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 23 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House New York District 16
Jamaal Bowman defeated Patrick McManus in the general election for U.S. House New York District 16 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Jamaal Bowman (D) | 84.0 | 218,471 | |
Patrick McManus (Conservative Party) | 15.8 | 41,085 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 414 |
Total votes: 259,970 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kenneth Schaeffer (Working Families Party)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 16
Jamaal Bowman defeated incumbent Eliot Engel, Chris Fink, Sammy Ravelo, and Andom Ghebreghiorgis (Unofficially withdrew) in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 16 on June 23, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Jamaal Bowman | 55.4 | 49,367 | |
Eliot Engel | 40.6 | 36,149 | ||
Chris Fink | 1.8 | 1,625 | ||
Sammy Ravelo | 1.3 | 1,139 | ||
Andom Ghebreghiorgis (Unofficially withdrew) | 0.9 | 761 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 97 |
Total votes: 89,138 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kenneth Belvin (D)
Conservative Party primary election
The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Patrick McManus advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 16.
Working Families Party primary election
The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Jamaal Bowman advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 16.
Candidate profile
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Bowman received a master's degree in counselor education from Mercy College and an EdD in organizational leadership from Manhattanville College. As of his 2020 campaign, Bowman's professional history included working as a middle school principal and teacher.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House New York District 16 in 2020.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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You can ask Jamaal Bowman to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing us@bowmanforcongress.com.
2022
Jamaal Bowman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jamaal Bowman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bowman's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1. Fighting against racial and economic inequality. 2. A Green New Deal 3. Medicare for All
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
1. Public Education 2 Public/affordable Housing 3. Criminal Justice Reform 4. Immigrant Rights 5. Mental Health and Trauma 6. Environmental Justice 7. Poverty 8. Racism 9. Ending forever Wars 10. Humanitarian Efforts
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Maxine Waters, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, because they fight for the people against corporate greed and policies that oppress the masses. They speak truth to power and are fearless brilliant leaders.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Letter from Birmingham Jail.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Be present, be engaged, be a listener and learner, be guided by a moral compass, understand the impact of corporate greed on the lives of Americans and the historical context that got us to this point.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I’m guided by empathy and compassion for other people. I have served children and families in education for twenty years. I will work collaboratively with grassroots organization to create a vision and build a new America that works for all people.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Serve the people.
What legacy would you like to leave?
“He served us well and did his duty for the people of the country.”
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
9/11. I was 25.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Teaching. I am still in education twenty years later.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I don’t know. They all were awkward.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Labor Day. Organized labor is necessary for a healthy democracy to thrive. It is also right before the beginning of a new school year. New students. New opportunities for growth.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Alchemist. Life is a quest, but we have to trust the process and go through the trials and tribulations to ultimately find our treasure. I have tried to help every child that I have worked with understand this concept and find the courage to take the journey toward their best selves.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Yoda. Keep peace and order in the universe.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My family.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
My Shot. Hamilton.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Consistent exercise and healthy eating. But I think I’ve gotten it figured out.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
Undecided.
What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The ability to write resolutions and introduce bills aligned to the values of the American people. The ability to connect with diverse constituencies and build coalitions around an issue. The ability to build relationships, find common ground, and move the moral and political agenda forward.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
It depends. Has that experience been in support of all people, or just a few?
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Climate change. Inhumanity. Economic inequality.
If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
1. Agriculture 2. Appropriations 3. Natural resources 4. Education and labor 5. Natural resources
Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?
No.
What are your thoughts on term limits?
Undecided.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
I would like to lead a committee related to education, healthcare and labor.
Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Maxine Waters
Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
I met a woman who is probably in her late 50’s, who had to quit her job and stay home to take care of her mom, who is in her 70s and blind. The women’s insurance did not allow her to receive the 24 hour care that her mom needed. Not only did she have to quit her job, but she also had to spend all of her savings to care for herself and her mother. This is a recurring story throughout the district and country.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Bowman’s campaign website stated the following:
“ |
#RECONSTRUCTION AGENDA It's time to complete the work of Reconstruction. 1. Reconcile With Our History. 2. Get off Our Necks. 3. Let Us Breathe. A NEW DEAL FOR EDUCATION We need a New Deal for Public Education to repair the wounds of our history and fulfill the promise of our multiracial democracy. A NEW DEAL FOR HOUSING I will fight for policies that will stem the rise in homelessness, keep families in their homes, and put more in working people’s pockets. GREEN NEW DEAL Green jobs in all of our communities. Repair and upgrade our infrastructure. Move toward 100% clean energy. Federal jobs guarantee. Support unions. Fight asthma caused by pollution. MEDICARE FOR ALL Eliminate copays, deductibles and premiums for all Americans. Vision, dental, mental health, and long-term care. Expand Social Security. IMMIGRANT RIGHTS Abolish ICE. Take on Trump’s deportation machine. Fight for DREAMers, humane border policy, and a path to citizenship. Know your rights. WOMEN'S RIGHTS Pay equity. Defend Planned Parenthood and women’s health services. Reproductive justice. COMBATING ANTISEMITISM Hatred has no place in our communities. We must combat antisemitism and bigotry of all forms. Let's create a flourishing democracy where we all feel safe. PROGRESSIVE FOREIGN POLICY Diplomacy and Peace Over War Reduce Pentagon's War Budget 21st Century Marshall Plan STAND WITH SENIORS Expand Social Security. Cut Prescription Drug Prices in Half. Protect Pensions. FIGHT FOR FAMILIES Universal child care: day care should be a free extension of public school system. Advocate for peace & diplomacy. Provide for our veterans. Dramatically increase maternity, family, and sick leave. JUSTICE REFORM End The School-To-Prison Pipeline Ending Excessive Sentencing and Mandatory Minimums Legalize and Regulate Marijuana, End the War on Drugs GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION We are the only industrialized country in the world where mass shootings occur on a daily basis. America’s gun violence epidemic disproportionately impacts communities of color and inflicts deeper trauma in the lives of people who are already struggling.
Make the wealthy on Wall Street pay their fair share. Support small businesses. Repeal Citizens United. Reject donations from corporate PACs and lobbyists. LGBTQ RIGHTS Fight for federal legislation against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, military, government, and around the world. Oppose religious exemptions that deny services to LGBTQ people.[27] |
” |
—Jamaal Bowman’s campaign website (2020)[28] |
Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage and endorsements scopes.
Noteworthy events
Misdemeanor charge (2023)
On October 26, 2023, Bowman pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of falsely pulling a fire alarm.[29]
On September 30, 2023, Bowman was caught on camera pulling a fire alarm at the Cannon House Office Building.[30]
“I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped,” Bowman said in a statement.[31]
Bowman's charges will be dropped in three months, contingent upon his payment of a $1,000 fine and issuance of an apology.[29]
Ethics complaint (2023)
On October 12, 2023, the Foundation for Accounability and Civic Trust filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Bowman after he pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building prior to a vote on a House spending bill. [32]
"I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door," Rep. Bowman said. "I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused.” [33]
Censure (2023)
On December 7, 2023, the United States House of Representatives censured Bowman for pulling a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building on October 12, 2023. [34]
See also
2024 Elections
2022 Elections
External links
Candidate U.S. House New York District 16 |
Officeholder U.S. House New York District 16 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Congressman Jamaal Bowman, "About," accessed April 20, 2021
- ↑ LinkedIn, "Jamaal Bowman," accessed June 14, 2020
- ↑ Facebook, "Jamaal Bowman for Congress," accessed June 14, 2020
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.3617 - Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1808 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.1605 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.7776 - James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6 - American Dream and Promise Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.3373 - Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.4346 - Chips and Science Act," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.3755 - Women's Health Protection Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1996 - SAFE Banking Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.5 - Equality Act," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.6833 - Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.7688 - Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "S.2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.Res.24 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.," accessed April 15, 2022
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Jamaal Bowman 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed June 22, 2020
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 ‘’Axios’’, “Bowman to plead guilty for pulling Capitol Hill fire alarm,” accessed October 26, 2023
- ↑ ‘’New York Times’’, “Jamaal Bowman Charged With Setting Off False Fire Alarm”, accessed October 26, 2023
- ↑ ‘’Twitter’’, “Nicholas Wu,” accessed on October 26, 2023
- ↑ ‘’Washington Examiner, “Jamaal Bowman faces ethics complaint after fire alarm incident,” October 14, 2023
- ↑ ‘’National Public Radio, “GOP wants Rep. Jamaal Bowman punished after he triggered a fire alarm on Saturday,” October 1, 2023
- ↑ ‘’CNN, “House votes to censure Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman over fire alarm incident,” December 7, 2023
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Eliot Engel (D) |
U.S. House New York District 16 2021-Present |
Succeeded by - |