History of Nita Lowey in Timeline
Nita Lowey was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York from 1989 to 2021. A Democrat, she represented districts covering New York City's northern suburbs, including White Plains and Tarrytown. She held various district numbers during her tenure. Notably, she served as co-Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation alongside Eliot Engel. She was succeeded in office by Mondaire Jones after her retirement.
July 5, 1937: Nita Lowey Born
On July 5, 1937, Nita Sue Lowey (née Melnikoff) was born. Later in life, she became a U.S. Representative from New York.
1955: Graduated from Bronx High School of Science
In 1955, Nita Lowey graduated from the Bronx High School of Science as the valedictorian of her class, marking an early academic achievement.
1974: Worked for Mario Cuomo's Campaign
In 1974, Nita Lowey worked for Mario Cuomo's campaign for lieutenant governor of New York, marking an early involvement in New York politics.
1988: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1988, Nita Lowey was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New York's 20th congressional district, defeating incumbent Joe DioGuardi.
1989: Became U.S. Representative
In 1989, Nita Lowey began her service as a U.S. Representative from New York, representing the 20th congressional district at the time.
1990: District renumbered as 18th after census
Following the 1990 census, Nita Lowey's congressional district was renumbered as the 18th district.
1993: District renumbered as 18th
In 1993, Nita Lowey's congressional district was renumbered as the 18th district.
2000: Redistricting Removed New York City Portion
After redistricting following the 2000 Census, the New York City portion of Nita Lowey's district was removed.
2000: Considered Senate Run, Stepped Aside
In 2000, Nita Lowey considered running for the United States Senate but stepped aside when Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy.
2001: Served as Chair of Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
From 2001 to 2002, Nita Lowey served as the first female chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a significant leadership role.
2002: Served as Chair of Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
From 2001 to 2002, Nita Lowey served as the first female chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a significant leadership role.
2004: Re-election Victory in 2004
In 2004, Nita Lowey received 69% of the vote against Richard A. Hoffman, emphasizing her track record on homeland security issues.
2005: Received "A" on Drum Major Institute Scorecard
In 2005, Nita Lowey received an "A" on the liberal Drum Major Institute's scorecard, highlighting her liberal political stance.
2006: Re-election Victory in 2006
In 2006, Nita Lowey won re-election with 70% of the vote, again against Richard A. Hoffman.
2007: Received 12% on Club for Growth Scorecard
In 2007, Nita Lowey received 12% on the Club for Growth's congressional scorecard, indicating a low rating from the conservative organization.
December 1, 2008: Declined Consideration for Senate Appointment
On December 1, 2008, Nita Lowey stated she was not interested in being appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, preferring to keep her position on the House Appropriations Committee.
2008: Re-elected to Eleventh Term
In 2008, Nita Lowey was re-elected to an eleventh term in Congress, securing 68% of the vote against James C. Russell.
November 2009: Critical of Stupak-Pitts Amendment
In November 2009, Nita Lowey was strongly critical of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which placed limits on taxpayer-funded abortions within the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
2009: Introduced Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act
In early 2009, Nita Lowey introduced the Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act, advocating for collective bargaining rights for federal workers at the TSA and Department of Homeland Security.
2010: District renumbered as 17th after census
Following the 2010 census, Nita Lowey's congressional district was renumbered as the 17th district.
2010: Estimated Personal Assets
In 2010, an estimate of Nita Lowey's personal assets, based on financial disclosures, put her wealth at $41.2 million, largely based on her husband's investments.
2013: District renumbered as 17th
In 2013, Nita Lowey's congressional district was renumbered as the 17th district.
2016: Superdelegate for Hillary Clinton at DNC
In 2016, Nita Lowey was a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, pledged to support Hillary Clinton, and confirmed she would not switch support to Bernie Sanders.
2018: First woman to chair House Appropriations Committee
In 2018, Lowey became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, marking a significant milestone in her career.
2018: Became Chairwoman of the House Committee on Appropriations
In 2018, after the Democrats won the majority in the U.S. House, Nita Lowey became the first Chairwoman of the House Committee on Appropriations.
October 10, 2019: Announcement of Retirement
On October 10, 2019, Nita Lowey announced that she would retire and would not run for re-election to Congress in 2020.
2020: Did Not Run For Re-election
In 2020, Nita Lowey did not run for re-election after announcing her retirement in October 2019.
2020: Negotiated Border Security Bill
In 2020, as chairwoman, Nita Lowey negotiated a border security bill with Senator Richard Shelby that funded the government through 2020.
2021: End of term as U.S. Representative
In 2021, Nita Lowey ended her service as a U.S. Representative from New York, after serving since 1989.
March 15, 2025: Death of Nita Lowey
On March 15, 2025, Nita Lowey passed away after a career as an American politician and U.S. Representative from New York.
