Jamaal Bowman

Democrat Representative of New York's 16th district

Representative
New York, district 16
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2023
Representative
New York, district 16
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025

202-225-2464

@RepBowman

bowman.house.gov

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April 1, 1976 (48 years old)

Birthday

Served as the U.S. representative for New York’s 16th congressional district since 2021
Founder and former principal of the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action in the Bronx
Defeated a 16-term incumbent in the 2020 Democratic primary
Identifies as a democratic socialist and is a member of the Squad
Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for setting off a false fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building in 2023 and was subsequently censured by the House of Representatives
Born and raised in New York City, lived in both Manhattan and Sayreville, New Jersey during his youth
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in sports management from the University of New Haven, where he played college football, and advanced degrees in counseling and educational leadership
Became an educator, initially working as a crisis management teacher in the South Bronx before founding a public middle school
Advocated against standardized testing and for comprehensive education including arts, history, and science
Ran for Congress with the support of the Justice Democrats, inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign
Criticized for including controversial figures on a “wall of honor” at his school
Voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
Has had a contentious relationship with the Democratic Socialists of America, particularly over his stance on Israel
Voted in favor of funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, sparking debate within the DSA
Committee assignments include the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
Married with three children and resides in Yonkers, New York
A fan of the Wu-Tang Clan and has drawn inspiration from hip-hop culture
Previously maintained a blog where he promoted 9/11 conspiracy theories, which he later regretted