History of Jamaal Bowman in Timeline

Jamaal Bowman is an American politician and former educator. He served as the U.S. Representative for New York's 16th congressional district from 2021 to 2025. Bowman is known for his progressive political stances and his background as a middle school principal before entering politics.

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Full Timeline

April 1, 1976: Jamaal Bowman's Birth

On April 1, 1976, Jamaal Anthony Bowman was born. He later became an American politician and former educator.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Eliot Engel Started Serving in the House

In 1989, Eliot Engel began serving as a member of the House, eventually holding the seat that Jamaal Bowman would later contest.

1999: Graduation from University of New Haven

In 1999, Jamaal Bowman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports management from the University of New Haven where he also played college football as a linebacker for the New Haven Chargers.

2009: Founded Cornerstone Academy for Social Action

In 2009, Jamaal Bowman founded the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, a public middle school located in the Bronx.

2018: Inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Campaign

In 2018, Jamaal Bowman was inspired to run for office by the insurgent campaign of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

July 17, 2020: Won the Primary Election

On July 17, 2020, Jamaal Bowman won the primary election with 55% of the vote.

2020: Defeated Eliot Engel

In 2020, Jamaal Bowman defeated 16-term incumbent Eliot Engel in the Democratic primary.

2020: Won Primary and General Election

In 2020, Jamaal Bowman won the primary with 54% of the vote and the general election with 64% of the vote against Westchester County legislator Vedat Gashi.

January 2021: Introduced the Congressional Oversight of Unjust Policing Act

In January 2021, following the storming of the United States Capitol, Jamaal Bowman introduced the Congressional Oversight of Unjust Policing Act (COUP Act).

September 2021: Voted in Favor of Additional Aid to Israel

In September 2021, Jamaal Bowman voted in favor of providing Israel with an additional $1 billion in aid to fund its Iron Dome missile defense system, which sparked controversy.

November 5, 2021: Voted Against Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

On November 5, 2021, Jamaal Bowman was one of six House Democrats who voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because it did not include the Build Back Better Act.

2022: Bowman's DSA Membership Expired

In 2022, Jamaal Bowman let his Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) membership expire following the DSA's response to his vote on aid to Israel.

2022: Voted Against the National Defense Authorization Act

In 2022, Jamaal Bowman was among 51 House Democrats who voted against the final passage of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

July 18, 2023: Voted Against Resolution Supporting Israel

On July 18, 2023, Jamaal Bowman voted against a congressional non-binding resolution stating that "the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state."

September 30, 2023: Pulled Fire Alarm in Cannon House Office Building

On September 30, 2023, Jamaal Bowman pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building, leading to an evacuation.

October 2023: Bowman's DSA Membership Expired

In October 2023, a spokesman confirmed that Bowman had let his DSA membership expire in 2022 following DSA's response to his vote.

October 26, 2023: Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor

On October 26, 2023, Jamaal Bowman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for willfully setting off a false fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building, and the charge was dropped.

December 7, 2023: House of Representatives Censured Bowman

On December 7, 2023, the House of Representatives voted 214–191 to censure Jamaal Bowman for the fire alarm incident.

2023: Made Comments on Israeli Rapes

In 2023, Jamaal Bowman called reports of Israeli women being raped during the 2023 Hamas attack "propaganda" and a "lie".

2023: Voted Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Jamaal Bowman was among the 46 House Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

January 29, 2024: J Street Withdrew Endorsement of Bowman

On January 29, 2024, the liberal Israel lobby group J Street withdrew its endorsement of Jamaal Bowman, citing his response to the Hamas attack.

March 2024: Retracted Remarks

In March 2024, after being contacted by Politico, Jamaal Bowman retracted his previous remarks regarding Israeli women being raped during the Hamas attack.