History of Muriel Bowser in Timeline
Muriel Elizabeth Bowser is the eighth and current mayor of Washington, D.C., serving since 2015. A Democrat, she served on the Council of the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2015, representing Ward 4. Bowser is the second female mayor of the District of Columbia, following Sharon Pratt, and the first to be reelected. She is also the first African-American woman to hold the office.
August 2, 1972: Birth of Muriel Bowser
Muriel Elizabeth Bowser was born on August 2, 1972. This event marks the beginning of her life and journey.
1990: Graduation from Elizabeth Seton High School
In 1990, Muriel Bowser graduated from Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Maryland. This event marked a significant milestone in her educational journey.
1997: Previous Record for Homicides
Until 2023, 1997 held the record for the most homicides in Washington, D.C.
2000: Residence in Riggs Park Duplex
Bowser resided in a Riggs Park duplex from 2000 to 2015 before moving to Colonial Village.
2003: Early Milestone for Homicides
By July 2021, D.C. had recorded 100 homicides, marking the earliest point in a year that this milestone had been reached since 2003.
2004: Election to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission
Muriel Bowser's political journey began with her unopposed election to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in 2004. This early success demonstrated her community engagement and paved the way for her future political endeavors.
2006: Adrian Fenty's Mayoral Campaign and Bowser's Candidacy
In 2006, Adrian Fenty, the then Councilmember for Ward 4, launched his successful campaign for Mayor of the District of Columbia. Muriel Bowser served as his campaign coordinator for Ward 4. Following Fenty's victory, a special election was called to fill his vacant council seat, and Bowser announced her candidacy.
2006: Unopposed Re-election to the ANC
Muriel Bowser's commitment to her community was evident in her unopposed re-election to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in 2006. This victory demonstrated the trust and support she had garnered during her first term.
2007: Election to the Council of the District of Columbia
Muriel Bowser was elected as a member of the Council of the District of Columbia in 2007, representing Ward 4. This election marked a pivotal step in her political career, setting the stage for her future roles.
2008: Re-election to the Council of the District of Columbia
In 2008, Muriel Bowser secured her re-election to the Council of the District of Columbia. This victory solidified her position and public support within her ward.
2008: Bowser Announces Re-election Campaign Amidst Criticism
During her 2008 re-election campaign for the council, Muriel Bowser faced criticism from opponents like Baruti Akil Jahi and Malik Mendenhall-Johnson, who alleged she was overly aligned with Mayor Fenty's agenda. Despite this criticism, Bowser went on to win re-election.
2011: Appointment to the WMATA Board of Governors
Muriel Bowser's influence in regional transportation matters grew in 2011 when she was appointed to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) Board of Governors. She held this position until 2015.
2012: Bowser's Re-election Campaign and Stance on Corporate Donations
During her 2012 re-election campaign, Muriel Bowser faced criticism from candidate Max Skolnik for accepting campaign contributions from corporations. Bowser defended her position, stating that she would not refuse donations from corporations and argued against banning such contributions, citing transparency concerns.
2012: Second Re-election to the Council
Muriel Bowser was re-elected to the Council of the District of Columbia for a second time in 2012. This consistent electoral success underscored her growing influence and the trust placed in her by her constituents.
March 23, 2013: Bowser Announces Mayoral Candidacy
On March 23, 2013, Muriel Bowser formally announced her candidacy for Mayor of the District of Columbia in the upcoming 2014 election. Her campaign was chaired by former council member William Lightfoot.
2013: Baseline Year for Comparing Homelessness Rates
The year 2013 served as a baseline for evaluating Bowser's progress in addressing homelessness. The homeless population in that year was used as a benchmark for measuring subsequent changes.
2014: Bowser Enters the 2014 Mayoral Race
In 2014, Muriel Bowser officially entered the race for Mayor of the District of Columbia. This decision marked a significant step in her political career and set the stage for a competitive election.
2014: Bowser's Campaign Receives Donation from Husband of Veritas CEO
In 2014, the husband of the Veritas CEO made a substantial donation to Muriel Bowser's mayoral campaign.
2014: Mayoral Campaign
Muriel Bowser ran for Mayor of Washington D.C. Her campaign accepted illegal contributions, for which it was later fined.
2014: Muriel Bowser Elected as Mayor
Muriel Bowser won the mayoral election in 2014, defeating incumbent Vincent C. Gray in the Democratic primary and securing a decisive victory in the general election. This victory marked a turning point in her career and in the District's political landscape.
January 2, 2015: Bowser Takes Office as Mayor
On January 2, 2015, Muriel Bowser was sworn in as the Mayor of the District of Columbia, marking the beginning of her first term in office.
January 2015: Bowser Declares Herself a "Mayor Who Hates Guns" in Inaugural Speech
During her inaugural speech in January 2015, Bowser made a strong statement against gun violence, characterizing herself as a "mayor who hates guns" and signaling her commitment to gun control measures.
February 2015: Cancellation of the Institute for Contemporary Expression Project
In February 2015, Bowser canceled a planned public art facility at the historic Franklin School, citing financial reasons. Critics alleged favoritism towards Bowser's donors who had competed for the property.
March 2015: Promise to Launch DC Streetcar
In her first State of the District Address in March 2015, Bowser pledged to get the DC Streetcar operational.
September 2015: Planned Opening of the Institute for Contemporary Expression
The Institute for Contemporary Expression had scheduled its first event for September 2015, but the project was canceled by Mayor Bowser before it could open.
September 2015: Bowser Announces Deal for Wizards Practice Facility
In September 2015, Mayor Bowser announced a deal to build a practice facility for the Washington Wizards, with taxpayers funding a significant portion of the project.
October 2015: Proposals Under Consideration for Franklin School
Following the cancellation of the Institute for Contemporary Expression project, the Bowser administration was still considering proposals for the use of the Franklin School as of October 2015.
October 2015: Bowser's Support for Exelon-Pepco Merger Draws Scrutiny and Ethics Concerns
Bowser's change of position to support the Exelon-Pepco merger in October 2015 sparked controversy and accusations of undue influence. Critics questioned the transparency of the deal and alleged a connection between her support and a pledge to rename a sports stadium.
November 2015: FreshPAC Shutdown
In November 2015, FreshPAC, a political action committee closely aligned with Mayor Muriel Bowser, was shut down following public outcry. The PAC, chaired by a lobbyist, faced criticism for accepting unlimited contributions and alleged ties to Bowser's administration.
December 2015: Exelon's Lobbying Activities Raise Further Questions About Merger Deal
Revelations in December 2015 about Exelon's lobbying activities, particularly payments made to a political action committee linked to Bowser allies, heightened concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the Exelon-Pepco merger deal.
2015: Vision Zero Initiative Launch
In 2015, Bowser launched Vision Zero, a program aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2024, starting with campaigns to promote traffic safety awareness.
2015: Bowser's Approach to Family Homelessness Draws Criticism Amidst Surge
In 2015, Bowser faced criticism for her handling of family homelessness as the District experienced a dramatic increase in the number of families seeking shelter. Her decision to move families into motel rooms before legally required due to freezing temperatures contributed to the surge, highlighting the complexities of the issue.
2015: Purchase of Home in Colonial Village
Bowser purchased a residence in Colonial Village in 2015, relocating from a Riggs Park duplex she had lived in since 2000.
2015: Creation of New Cabinet Post
Upon taking office in 2015, Bowser established a new cabinet position dedicated to development in the city's underprivileged areas.
2015: School Placement Scandal Rocks DCPS
In 2015, a scandal erupted in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) when it was discovered that Chancellor Kaya Henderson had been bypassing the lottery system to grant preferential treatment to well-connected parents, including two of Bowser's appointees.
2015: Conclusion of Tenure on the WMATA Board
In 2015, Muriel Bowser's tenure on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) Board of Governors concluded.
2015: Bowser Takes Office, Sets Ambitious HIV/AIDS Goal
In 2015, Muriel Bowser took office as the mayor of Washington D.C. and set a goal to halve the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the District by 2020.
2015: Muriel Bowser Becomes Mayor
In 2015, Muriel Bowser took office as the 8th Mayor of the District of Columbia. This marked a significant milestone in her political career, making her the second female mayor of the District.
2015: Spike in Homicides
In 2015, D.C. experienced a notable increase in homicides.
January 2016: Bowser Apologizes for Inadequate Snow Response as City Faces Gridlock
In January 2016, Bowser faced criticism and apologized for the District's inadequate response to a snowstorm that brought traffic to a standstill. The incident highlighted the city's vulnerability to severe weather events and the importance of effective emergency preparedness.
January 2016: Discovery of Financial Misconduct
In January 2016, the D.C. Trust board, including Bowser's appointees, discovered financial improprieties by former executives, raising concerns about the agency's funding and future.
February 2016: Fire Department Medical Director Resigns, Citing Safety Concerns
In February 2016, the Bowser-appointed medical director of the fire department resigned, expressing concerns about the agency's performance and its impact on public safety.
February 2016: Bowser Unveils Controversial Plan for Homeless Shelters
In February 2016, Bowser announced a plan to establish homeless shelters in each of the District's eight wards. However, her decision to proceed without community consultation and the lack of transparency in site selection drew criticism and raised concerns about her approach.
February 27, 2016: DC Streetcar Public Service Commencement
The H Street/Benning line of the DC Streetcar began public service operations on February 27, 2016.
March 2016: Conflicts Erupt Over Bowser's Shelter Plan and Connections to Contributors
In March 2016, Bowser faced further scrutiny as it was revealed that some of the selected sites for homeless shelters were linked to her campaign contributors. This revelation fueled accusations of favoritism and lack of transparency. Bowser's frustration with the D.C. Council's involvement in the issue escalated tensions and raised questions about her leadership style.
April 2016: D.C. Trust Bankruptcy and Dissolution
The D.C. Trust, a government-funded organization supporting youth services, declared bankruptcy and announced its closure in April 2016, partly due to overspending and past mismanagement.
May 2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In mid-May 2016, ahead of the District of Columbia Democratic primary, Bowser endorsed Hillary Clinton's bid for the presidency.
July 2016: Cost Overruns Plague Wizards Practice Facility Project
In July 2016, before construction even began, the cost of the Wizards practice facility project was projected to exceed estimates, raising concerns about financial management.
2016: Decrease in Homicides
D.C. experienced a 17% decline in homicides in 2016, dropping to 135 from the previous year.
2016: Start of Period with Limited Body Camera Footage Release
The year 2016 marked the beginning of a period during which there was limited release of body camera footage from officer-involved shootings, despite the presence of such cameras.
2016: Year of Bowser's Praise for Raul Castro
The year 2016 is notable for Bowser's public expression of praise for Raul Castro, which later drew criticism in light of her administration's removal of a pro-Cuban protest painting in 2021.
2016: Construction Project Controversy and Whistleblower Lawsuit
The head of D.C.'s Department of General Services resigned, and contracting officials were fired after a controversial construction project award. A whistleblower lawsuit alleged contracts were steered towards a major Bowser campaign donor, prompting an investigation.
2016: Council Awards Management of UMC to Veritas, a Company with Political Ties
In 2016, the D.C. Council awarded the management of United Medical Center (UMC), the District's only public hospital, to Veritas, a company whose CEO's husband had been a significant donor to Bowser's campaign.
2016: Speech at Democratic National Convention
Bowser delivered a speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, using the platform to advocate for statehood for Washington, D.C.
January 2017: Bowser Defends D.C.'s Sanctuary City Status Amidst Federal Threats
In January 2017, following Trump's inauguration and threats to withhold funding from sanctuary cities, Bowser stood firm in defending D.C.'s status. Her stance demonstrated a commitment to protecting immigrants but also put her at odds with the new administration.
March 2017: Concerns Raised Over Safety and Quality of Care at UMC Under Veritas Management
By March 2017, serious concerns were being raised about patient safety and the quality of care at UMC under the management of Veritas.
July 2017: UMC Fails to Notify Family of Patient Death in Timely Manner
In July 2017, UMC came under fire for a disturbing incident where the family of a deceased nursing home patient was not notified of their loved one's passing for a week, raising questions about the hospital's communication and transparency.
October 2017: Investment in Wards 7 and 8 Development
Bowser announced a $3 million investment in October 2017, aimed at boosting housing and retail projects in Wards 7 and 8, addressing the lack of grocery stores in these underserved areas.
November 2017: Bowser Launches Initiative to Assist D.C. Government Employees Seeking Citizenship
In November 2017, Bowser announced a partnership to help D.C. Government employees who were green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship. The initiative highlighted her commitment to supporting immigrants and fostering civic engagement.
December 2017: Sexual Harassment Training Mandate
In December 2017, Bowser mandated sexual harassment training for 30,000 District employees by February 2018, with additional training for supervisors, addressing concerns about handling such claims against the city.
2017: Campaign Finance Violation Fine
In 2017, Muriel Bowser's campaign committee was fined $13,000 for accepting illegal campaign contributions during her 2014 mayoral campaign. The contributions exceeded legal limits and came from various developers and contractors.
2017: Opioid Crisis Hits DC Hard, Particularly Among African American Community
In 2017, the opioid epidemic hit the District of Columbia hard, with the African American community experiencing a disproportionately high rate of fatal overdoses.
2017: Investigation into Cabinet Member Conduct
In 2017, an Inspector General's investigation revealed that Bowser's appointee for a cabinet position had misused city employees for childcare, leading to unspecified management actions.
2017: Controversial Animal Regulations and Public Backlash
In 2017, Muriel Bowser's administration faced public backlash over proposed animal regulations, including a ban on backyard chickens, mandatory cat licensing, and a provision concerning dog feces in private yards. The proposals were withdrawn following widespread criticism and concerns about government overreach.
2017: Traffic Fatalities Continue to Rise
Despite the Vision Zero initiative, traffic fatalities continued to increase in 2017, raising concerns about the program's effectiveness.
2017: Significant Drop in Homelessness Offers Encouragement
Bowser's efforts to combat homelessness seemed to gain traction in 2017, with a notable 17.3% decrease in the homeless population. This progress demonstrated the potential impact of her initiatives.
2017: Investigation into Contract Steering Allegations
An investigation in 2017 revealed that a city employee improperly shared confidential information with a Bowser campaign donor, leading to a $4 million settlement. Mayor Bowser refused to comment on the findings.
2017: Continued Decline in Homicides
In 2017, homicides continued to decrease in D.C., reaching 116, a similar level to the period before a spike in 2015.
January 2018: Bowser Invests in Anacostia River Islands for Conservation and Recreation
In January 2018, Bowser announced a $4.7 million investment in Kingman and Heritage Islands in the Anacostia River, aiming to enhance their recreational and educational value while designating portions as conservation areas.
February 2018: Bowser Establishes Autonomous Vehicle Work Group
In February 2018, Muriel Bowser demonstrated her administration's forward-thinking approach to transportation by establishing a work group dedicated to exploring the potential of autonomous vehicle technology in the District. The group, comprising members from various agencies, aimed to assess the benefits of autonomous vehicles and prepare the city for their integration. This initiative signaled a commitment to innovation and modernization in urban transportation.
February 2018: Deadline for Sexual Harassment Training
By February 2018, 30,000 District employees were required to have completed sexual harassment training as mandated by Bowser in December 2017.
March 2018: Report on Sexual Harassment Settlements
In March 2018, reports revealed that taxpayers had paid at least $735,000 to settle sexual harassment suits, leading Bowser's administration to acknowledge the need for better tracking and response systems.
March 2018: Bowser Supports March for Our Lives and Emerges as National Figure in Gun Control Movement
By March 2018, Bowser had become a vocal supporter of the March for Our Lives rally and was increasingly recognized as a prominent advocate for gun control at the national level.
April 2018: Bowser's Nominee Sparks Outrage with Anti-Semitic Remark
In April 2018, Joshua Lopez, a Bowser appointee to the D.C. Housing Authority board, made an anti-Semitic remark at a rally, drawing widespread condemnation and putting Bowser in a difficult position. While she called for an apology, her decision to stand by her nominee despite calls for his resignation sparked controversy.
May 2018: Adoption of Daughter, Miranda Elizabeth Bowser
Bowser expanded her family in May 2018 with the adoption of her daughter, Miranda Elizabeth Bowser.
December 2018: District Announces Plan to Combat Opioid Epidemic
In December 2018, in response to the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, the District of Columbia unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce opioid-related deaths, involving a multi-pronged approach incorporating treatment, data analysis, and public awareness campaigns.
2018: School Placement Scandal Continues Under Bowser's Watch
The DCPS school placement scandal continued into 2018, with Bowser's appointed Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson resigning after being implicated in manipulating the system for personal gain.
2018: End of Period with Limited Body Camera Footage Release
The year 2018 marked the end of a period during which there was limited release of body camera footage from officer-involved shootings, despite the presence of such cameras.
2018: Head of Government Transparency Office Removed Amidst Controversy
The 2018 removal of Traci Hughes, head of the Office of Open Government, sparked controversy as activists alleged it was retaliation for her strict enforcement of transparency regulations, including instances where she had called out Bowser-appointed boards.
2018: Bowser Wins Second Term as Mayor
Muriel Bowser's strong leadership and popularity were evident in her landslide re-election victory in 2018. With 76.4% of the vote, she secured a second term as Mayor, signifying strong public support for her policies and vision for the District.
2018: Increase in Homicides
In 2018, homicides in D.C. increased by 40% compared to the previous year, reaching 160, marking the highest number since 2015.
2018: Opposition to Campaign Finance Reform
In 2018, despite unanimous support from the D.C. Council, Mayor Bowser opposed legislation aimed at reducing the influence of large donors in city politics through public campaign financing. She refused to fund the law's implementation.
2018: Bowser Sees Progress in Reducing Homelessness, But Challenges Remain
In 2018, Bowser's administration reported a 7.6% drop in the homeless population from the previous year, indicating progress in addressing the issue. However, the total number of homeless individuals remained slightly higher than in 2013.
2018: Cyclist Protests and Fatalities
Following biking fatalities in the summer of 2018, cyclists protested Bowser's handling of traffic safety, arguing that Vision Zero had not effectively addressed the dangers.
2018: Re-election Campaign and Victory
Bowser ran for re-election in 2018, facing limited opposition and receiving endorsements based on the District's economic growth and her efforts to enhance government integrity.
March 2019: Bowser's Budget Proposal Draws Criticism
Muriel Bowser's budget proposal for her second term, released in March 2019, faced criticism for its substantial increase in spending (8.2%) despite projected revenue growth of around 3%. D.C. Auditor Kathy Patterson labeled the budget unsustainable and fiscally irresponsible. Bowser defended her plan, highlighting the positive impact of initiatives like making the DC Circulator free of charge.
April 2019: Limited Release of Police Body Camera Footage Raises Transparency Concerns
Despite Bowser's support for police body cameras, the limited release of footage in officer-involved shootings up to April 2019 raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the Metropolitan Police Department.
May 2019: Housing Production Trust Fund Scrutinized for Irregularities
A May 2019 audit revealed that the Housing Production Trust Fund, intended to support affordable housing, had awarded funding to poorly scored proposals, some linked to Bowser's campaign donors.
2019: Bike Advocate Fatality and Criticism
The death of a prominent bike advocate in 2019, struck by a driver on a known dangerous road, fueled further criticism of Bowser's Vision Zero initiative and its effectiveness.
2019: Handcuffing of Minors by Police
Public outcry erupted in 2019 after videos showed the Metropolitan Police Department handcuffing a 9-year-old and a 10-year-old in separate incidents, prompting policy reviews and questions about appropriate police conduct.
2019: Funding Shortfall for At-Risk Populations
In 2019, a significant funding shortfall impacted local organizations providing essential services to at-risk populations in the District. The shortfall, attributed to a missed application deadline by the responsible D.C. Government body, resulted in a $3.75 million loss for programs like Reading Partners D.C., The Literacy Lab, and City Year D.C. Eleanor Holmes Norton and other officials appealed to federal authorities for leniency to restore funding to these vital community programs.
2019: District's HIV/AIDS Rate Remains High Despite Bowser's Efforts
Despite efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS cases, the District continued to grapple with one of the highest rates in the country in 2019. The number of new diagnoses had decreased but remained a significant concern.
2019: Continued Rise in Homicides
D.C. continued to experience a rise in homicides in 2019, with the homicide rate increasing by 17% compared to the previous year.
2019: Dispute over D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
In 2019, Muriel Bowser's attempt to take control of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities' art collection and bring the organization under mayoral authority sparked controversy. The move was challenged by the D.C. Council, with critics questioning the legality of Bowser's actions. The power struggle led to staff lockouts and a veto by Bowser of legislation aimed at preserving the Commission's independence.
January 2020: Endorsement of Michael Bloomberg
In late January 2020, Bowser announced her support for Michael Bloomberg's campaign in the Democratic presidential primaries.
May 2020: Speed Limit Reduction
In May 2020, Bowser announced a reduction of default speed limits in D.C. to 20 mph, citing safety improvements, despite a decline in overall traffic due to the pandemic.
June 2020: Racial Disparity in COVID-19 Deaths and Data Manipulation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black residents in D.C. died at a rate 5.9 times higher than white residents. Bowser's administration was criticized for missteps in its pandemic response, including a lack of testing sites in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Bowser's administration was also found to have removed data from government websites to obscure its failure to meet key metrics.
November 2020: Travel During COVID-19 Advisory
In November 2020, Mayor Bowser faced criticism for traveling to Delaware for President-elect Joe Biden's victory celebration despite a travel advisory. She defended the trip as "essential", but critics argued it violated her own COVID-19 protocols.
2020: Presidential Election Year Marked by Political Tensions
The year 2020 was marked by significant political tensions surrounding the presidential election. The subsequent events of January 6, 2021, unfolded in the aftermath of this highly contested election.
2020: Speech at Democratic National Convention from Black Lives Matter Plaza
Bowser delivered a remote speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention from Black Lives Matter Plaza, highlighting the significance of the location.
2020: Target Year for Bowser's HIV/AIDS Goal
2020 marked the target year for Bowser's ambitious goal of halving the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the District. The results of her efforts would be assessed against this deadline.
January 6, 2021: Bowser Responds to Capitol Riot with Curfew, Highlighting Security Challenges
On January 6, 2021, as pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Bowser imposed a curfew in D.C. to restore order and security. The event highlighted the unprecedented challenges faced by her administration and the vulnerability of democratic institutions.
February 24, 2021: Death of Bowser's Sister, Mercia
On February 24, 2021, Bowser's sister, Mercia, tragically passed away due to complications from COVID-19.
April 2021: Conflicting Mask Guidance
In April 2021, Bowser's administration issued and then retracted a confusing order regarding mask requirements in restaurants, causing frustration among business owners.
July 2021: Surpassing 100 Homicides
By July 2021, Washington, D.C. had already recorded 100 homicides, the earliest point in a year since 2003 to reach that grim milestone.
July 2021: Mask Mandate Hypocrisy
After reinstating an indoor mask mandate, Bowser faced criticism for officiating a wedding without a mask, contradicting her own policy.
October 2021: Scandal Rocks D.C. Housing Authority, Raising Questions About Oversight
In October 2021, the Chair of the D.C. Housing Authority resigned amidst allegations of steering contracts to a romantic partner. The scandal raised concerns about Bowser's oversight of the agency, particularly given her previous praise for the Chair's performance. The subsequent appointment of a replacement with tax liens further fueled questions about the vetting process and ethical standards.
2021: Bowser's Removal of "CUBA LIBRE" Painting Sparks Free Speech Debate
In 2021, Bowser's administration removed a "CUBA LIBRE" painting from the street in front of the Cuban embassy, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and double standards. Critics pointed to her past praise for Raul Castro and the allowance of "Black Lives Matter" murals as evidence of inconsistent application of rules regarding public displays.
2021: Forensic Lab Loses Accreditation and Director Honored
In 2021, D.C.'s crime lab lost accreditation after an investigation revealed misconduct and errors. Ironically, Bowser honored the lab's director, who later resigned, shortly after the news broke.
2021: Increase in Traffic Fatalities
Despite efforts to improve traffic safety, 2021 saw a concerning rise in traffic fatalities in D.C., reaching the previous year's high by mid-November.
2021: Carjacking Surge and Controversial Tweet
Carjackings in D.C. increased dramatically in 2021, more than quadrupling compared to the previous year. Bowser faced backlash for a tweet suggesting a murdered Uber Eats driver was partially responsible for his own death.
February 2022: Bowser Reappoints Karima Holmes to Lead 911 System Despite Past Issues
Bowser's decision in February 2022 to reappoint Karima Holmes as the head of the Office of Unified Communications, responsible for the city's 911 system, raised eyebrows due to her previous tenure being marked by performance issues and fatal errors.
April 2022: Influx of Migrants to D.C. Begins, Posing Challenges for Bowser Administration
Starting in April 2022, the Bowser administration faced the challenge of managing an influx of migrants sent to D.C. from Texas and Arizona. This situation put a strain on the city's resources and sparked a debate about immigration policies.
September 8, 2022: Bowser Declares Public Emergency Over Migrant Arrivals, Criticizes Political Motivations
On September 8, 2022, facing a surge of migrants arriving from Texas and Arizona, Bowser declared a public emergency in D.C. She criticized the governors of those states for using migrants as political pawns and sought federal assistance to manage the situation, highlighting the strain on the city's resources.
2022: Bowser's Historic Third Term
In 2022, Muriel Bowser made history by becoming the first woman to be elected for a third term as Mayor of the District of Columbia. Her victory solidified her legacy as a transformative leader and underscored her enduring impact on the city.
2023: Record Homicides and Criticism of Public Safety Approach
In 2023, D.C. recorded its highest number of homicides since 1997. Bowser attributed this to insufficient consequences for criminals, signaling a potential shift in her public safety approach.
August 2, 2024: Death of Bowser's Father, Joe Bowser
On August 2, 2024, Bowser's father, Joe Bowser, passed away at the age of 88.