Jamaal Bowman

Jamaal Bowman was born in New York, New York, and has lived 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]

Jamaal Bowman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Jamaal Bowman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

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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.

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.

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

MEDICARE FOR ALL

Eliminate copays, deductibles and premiums for all Americans.

Vision, dental, mental health, and long-term care.

Expand Social Security.

Learn more

IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

Abolish ICE. Take on Trump’s deportation machine.

Fight for DREAMers, humane border policy, and a path to citizenship. Know your rights.

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WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Pay equity.

Defend Planned Parenthood and women’s health services.

Reproductive justice.

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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.

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PROGRESSIVE FOREIGN POLICY

Diplomacy and Peace Over War

Reduce Pentagon's War Budget

21st Century Marshall Plan

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STAND WITH SENIORS

Expand Social Security.

Cut Prescription Drug Prices in Half.

Protect Pensions.

Learn more

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

Learn more

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.

Learn more

FIGHT INEQUALITY

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.[71]

—Jamaal Bowman’s campaign website (2020)[72]