Born and raised on Milwaukee’s North Side, David attended Milwaukee Public Schools and was an honors graduate of Bradley Tech High School.
As a teen and young adult, David completed Urban Underground’s youth leadership program and later become its Program Director while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Educational Policy and Community Studies at the University of Wisconsin-‐ Milwaukee. He is a National Americorps Service Alum, a two-‐time graduate of the Americorps program Public Allies, and a Legacy Foundation Youth Activism Fellow.
A nationally recognized trainer for intergenerational community improvement strategies, David served on the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Violence Prevention Initiative Steering Committee and the City of Milwaukee’s Homicide Review Commission.
In 2012, he was elected to the Milwaukee County Board as Supervisor for the 10th District, becoming the youngest member of the Board and one of the youngest Black elected officials in Milwaukee’s history. Bowen was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2015 to 2023.
Content referencing David Bowen - Page 2
Walker offers definition of decency, violates it one day later
Outgoing gov. signals he’ll rig 2020 election, costing taxpayers millions
Nov 16th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen looks ahead to new dynamic of balanced government
"Since 2011, our state has endured the turmoil of a toxic political environment that sought to harm the minority party, but in doing so harmed real Wisconsin lives."
Nov 7th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen commends Shorewood community for discussion on race
Young people, school community show leadership amid “To Kill a Mockingbird” controversy
Oct 18th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Senator Larson & Representative Bowen: Call on Gun Manufacturers to Prioritize “Smart Gun” Technology and Other Gun Safety Measures in Order to Reduce Gun Violence
"It is beyond time for real change to happen regarding guns in America..."
Sep 13th, 2018 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Women’s March WI Endorses Nikiya Dodd for 5th District Alderman
"I am so humbled to have earned the endorsement of Women's March WI."
Aug 10th, 2018 by Ald. Nikiya Dodd
Milwaukee Area Unions Endorse Nikiya Dodd for 5th District Alderman
"As a State Senator and a County Supervisor I proudly stood with workers and their unions."
Aug 10th, 2018 by Ald. Nikiya Dodd
Foxconn breaking promises before they’ve even broke ground
"A bad deal has gotten worse."
Jun 28th, 2018 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Rep. Bowen: Statement on Juneteenth day of action
"The liberation that we celebrate on Juneteenth Day still has not been fully realized."
Jun 19th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Wisconsin Democrats leave 2018 convention energized and ready to win
Candidates up and down the ballot offered positive vision for future of Wisconsin under Democratic leadership
Jun 5th, 2018 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Rep. Bowen: Statement on release of bodycam footage of Sterling Brown
"While it may have taken police violence against a high profile victim to once again raise public awareness, these unnecessarily escalated situations have become commonplace and officers continue to face little or no consequences."
May 24th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
DPW response to nasty, panicked GOP state convention
The state GOP ignores Wisconsin needs and faces a bleak outlook for their party and its divisive leaders
May 12th, 2018 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Statement on lack of charges or discipline for officers involved in tasing death of Adam Trammell
"Police violence is at an epidemic level in our country, and the victims are disproportionately people of color and those suffering from mental illness, who are up to 16 times more likely to be killed by police."
Apr 30th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
March for Cannabis – 8th Annual March to Legalize Cannabis in Wisconsin
SE WI NORML to hold 8th annual march to legalize cannabis in Wisconsin at MacArthur Square in downtown Milwaukee
Apr 27th, 2018 by Southeastern WI NORML
Statement on the passing of the Honorable Vel Phillips
“My deepest condolences to her family and those who know and love her. May she rest in peace.”
Apr 18th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Cost, meaning of special elections fully Gov. Walker’s responsibility
Elections for vacant seats could have taken place weeks ago
Mar 29th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Gov. Walker, GOP leaders call extraordinary session to avoid elections
Republicans prove government can indeed work efficiently when it serves them
Mar 27th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
School safety package is rushed, needs significant fixes
"...first and foremost, it does nothing to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and those who shouldn't legally have them."
Mar 20th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen reflects on 2017-18 legislative session
Session defined by spending billions on Foxconn, new adult prison
Feb 22nd, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen statement on passage of AB 606
Bill forces city to keep discharged officers facing criminal charges on payroll
Feb 21st, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen statement on passage of Wisconsin Model of youth justice
"This is one big step closer to even more innovations to save lives and money to increase the wellbeing of our communities..."
Feb 21st, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Kleefisch-Bowen bill lays foundation for youth corrections overhaul
A public hearing on the agreed upon bill will be held this Thursday at 9 a.m.
Feb 13th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen Statement on Gov. Walker’s Plan for Milwaukee State Building
"While the Milwaukee State office is aging and needs to be replaced, I’d like to take Walker’s plan for a new facility a step further."
Feb 9th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Foxconn to replace 10,000 workers in Taiwan with robots
A sign of things to come in Wisconsin?
Feb 7th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen: Introduces “Heat & Eat” Legislation
Gov. Walker’s Wisconsin one of two states that has failed to adjust to 2014 federal SNAP cuts
Jan 25th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen: statement on President’s racist “sh*thole” remarks
'For now, the unfortunate leader of this country is making America hate again with seemingly every sentence he manages to construct."
Jan 12th, 2018 by State Rep. David Bowen
African American State Representatives Call for Representation on New Task Force
In order to ensure the legitimacy and integrity of this task force, it is essential that African Americans have representation.
Nov 15th, 2017 by David Crowley
With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families
Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations
Nov 8th, 2017 by Wisconsin Conservation Voters
Bowen to Walker: Stop trying to silence NFL players
"His moves to stoke anger and resentment are as cynical as politics gets."
Oct 24th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Rep. Bowen statement on DOC Internal Affairs Unit
Workers say unit was eliminated for work that shed negative light on Governor
Oct 10th, 2017 by State Rep. David Bowen
Republicans’ out of touch budget priorities already failing Wisconsin kids
"As long as Wisconsinites are making subsidy payments to Foxconn, no school should experience cuts of any sort."
Sep 25th, 2017 by State Rep. David Bowen‘Fighting Bob Fest’ coming to Milwaukee
Now in its 16th year, “Fighting Bob Fest,” the annual festival for progressive politics, is coming to Milwaukee for the first time.
Sep 10th, 2017 by Our Wisconsin Revolution
Statement on the Violence in Charlottesville
"Democrats across Wisconsin will continue to build bridges, not walls."
Aug 14th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Rep. Bowen: Statement on verdict in Heaggan-Brown trial
“The second shot was clearly unjustified on video with Mr. Smith on his back with his hands in clear view."
Jun 21st, 2017 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen’s Statement on Trump Appointment of Sheriff Clarke
"It is positive news that Milwaukee County now has the opportunity to have an actual Sheriff."
May 17th, 2017 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. David Bowen calls on Governor Walker not to enforce Voter ID Disenfranchisement law for 2018 elections
In the 2012 Presidential election, the City of Milwaukee had 41,000 more ballots cast than the 2016 election, a turnout reduction that very possibly correlates with the Republican Voter ID law.
May 16th, 2017 by State Rep. David Bowen
Legislators Introduce the Jail Death Transparency Act
Current law is only applicable to law enforcement officers and does not hold correctional officers in city, county, and state correctional facilities to the same investigatory standards.
Mar 29th, 2017 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Statement on homicide charges against Sylville Smith shooter
"Today's announcement that charges have been brought on Sylville Smith's shooter is an important step toward justice for Sylville, his family and friends, and a community that mourns his death."
Dec 15th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Reps. Bowen and Brostoff: Response to Gov. Walker’s comments on opening a Milwaukee-based youth correctional facility
Governor Walker made comments that he is willing to work with Milwaukee elected officials on a local juvenile corrections facility.
Dec 6th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen statement on Corrections budget request for Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake
The Department’s request guarantees Wisconsin will remain out of compliance with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Sep 16th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
State Rep. David Bowen & State Rep. Evan Goyke Call on the United States Department of Justice to Take Over the Investigation into the Shooting of Sylville Smith
“It is crucial that trust be restored to the relationship between the public and law enforcement,” said Rep. David Bowen
Aug 26th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen calls on Sheriff Clarke to reopen Sherman Park
“It is time for the sheriff to reverse his poor decision and restore full public access to Sherman Park.”
Aug 19th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen: Statement on recent turmoil in Milwaukee
“Elected officials, law enforcement, and community leaders need to come together and listen to the people in our community who continue struggling to get by.”
Aug 16th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen addresses the upcoming “Blue Day Rally” and the necessity of police accountability in the community
"What the whole state needs to hear. That Black Lives must matter and those who advocate for them need this community’s support too."
Aug 12th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Darrol Gibson Announces Impressive Slate of Endorsements Including Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Darrol is the only candidate running for a seat in the Wisconsin State Legislature this fall to receive a primary endorsement from Congresswoman Moore.
Aug 2nd, 2016 by Darrol Gibson
Statement from Rep. Bowen on shootings in Wisconsin, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas
“I pray for all the families and all heavy hearts hurting from these situations. May God help us.”
Jul 8th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen praises MPS Superintendent for rejecting school takeover proposal
Commends Dr. Driver’s thorough, alternative proposal for OSPP
Jun 17th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen to host Emergency Public Forum on Juvenile Corrections Reform
Calls for immediate solutions to reduce youth recidivism
May 26th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen statement on expected arena district end-use jobs announcement
“I am pleased that labor representatives have been successful in negotiating with the Bucks to pay a living wage and prioritize hiring local workers...”
May 18th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen to attend Wauwatosa West forum after principal’s insensitive comments toward Students of Color
“After being notified of this issue by a family member of a student, I cleared my calendar in order to help develop an authentic dialogue among students, faculty, and parents who are discouraged by this situation.”
Apr 25th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Gibson Campaign: Darrol Gibson Announces His Candidacy for State Representative
Darrol is a political organizer who has helped to put hard working Democrats in office at every level of government.
Apr 25th, 2016 by Darrol Gibson
Confirmed by Wisconsin Republicans: Voter ID is intended to rig elections
“Wisconsin Republicans’ recent confession that the goal of voter ID is to rig elections for Republicans shows there is no ethical purpose in keeping this law in place.”
Apr 7th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
“Chris Abele seeks to divide the black community”
Chris Abele’s new campaign strategy is to drive a wedge in the black community in order to score a win on April 5th.
Apr 1st, 2016 by State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde
State Senator Chris Larson Issues Statement on Last Week’s Exchange with Senator Taylor
"Last Tuesday, as I was approaching the Senate chambers in the Capitol, I ran into Senator Taylor. She began yelling at me, which was followed by some heated words from both sides."
Mar 23rd, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
State Senator Chris Larson Blasts Abele for Flawed Bucks Deal
“To be clear, before he walked in the room, County taxpayers were on the hook for zero extra dollars."
Mar 7th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
African American leaders stand against supporting Alderman Bob Donavan for Mayor of Milwaukee
This press conference will be followed up with a private meeting with current Mayor Tom Barrett.
Feb 19th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
Recognizing the importance of Latinos and immigrants to our society
“As Legislative Republicans move forward with cynical anti-immigrant legislation stigmatizing thousands of our neighbors because of their race, they further clarify that the GOP takes pride in their dismal approval numbers among non-whites.”
Feb 18th, 2016 by Mandela Barnes
Representatives Brostoff, Bowen, Kessler, and Sinicki Take Stand Against Legislation Attacking Milwaukee Taxpayers, Local Control
Assembly Bill 885 mandates a government takeover of Milwaukee County’s debt collection efforts.
Feb 17th, 2016 by Rep. Jonathan Brostoff
Rep. Bowen calls on Governor Walker to hold Milwaukee public meeting on Lincoln Hills
"It is imperative that residents of Milwaukee have answers..."
Feb 16th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Barnes Renews Call for Hearing on Alleged Abuses and Mismanagement at State Facility
“For far too long, the safety and security of youth, staff, and other individuals in facilities like Lincoln Hills have been jeopardized by the mismanagement of Gov. Walker...”
Jan 13th, 2016 by Mandela Barnes
Statement from Rep. Bowen on deplorable comments and actions of Rep. Gannon
“Yet, Rep. Gannon, and those on the other side of the aisle who agree with him but who may not be quite as animated, say Milwaukee’s problems are Milwaukee’s alone.”
Jan 12th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Milwaukee Leaders Endorse Johnny Thomas for City Comptroller
“Johnny Thomas is the person that we need to be our next Milwaukee City Comptroller,” said Alderman Willie Wade.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Johnny Thomas
Rep. Bowen calls for local alternatives for Milwaukee youth at Lincoln Hills
“As more details emerge regarding the situation at Lincoln Hills, it is disturbing to learn of children under the watch of Governor Walker’s Department of Corrections allegedly enduring physical and sexual abuse...”
Dec 17th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Time to Shed Light on Alleged Abuse at State Facility
“I continue to be shocked by the appalling allegations of cruel, unjust, and potentially criminal behavior at the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls facility.”
Dec 15th, 2015 by Mandela Barnes
Rep. Bowen statement on arrest of peaceful protesters at Milwaukee City/County Christmas Tree Lighting
"Not one more penny of taxpayer money should be used to prosecute them."
Nov 24th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388
Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government
Nov 17th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
UW-Milwaukee hosts experts discussion of city’s growing inequality
The event takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Edith S. Hefter Conference Center, 3271 N. Lake Dr.
Nov 13th, 2015 by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Rep. Bowen offers legislation observing October 12 as Indigenous Peoples Day
The legislation would put an end to Wisconsin’s observation of Columbus Day each October 12.
Oct 12th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen wishes students, educators well at start of school year
Will greet students at Bradley Tech High School, Universal Academy Elementary
Aug 31st, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Rep. Bowen: Statement on a new Milwaukee Bucks arena
I couldn’t support the arena deal without reducing the $400 million financial burden on taxpayers, much of which will be paid for by Milwaukee residents.
Jul 28th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
County Board Invoices Taxpayers for Living Wage Ordinance
Taxpayers deserve an explanation from Rep. Bowen
Jul 15th, 2015 by Sup. Deanna Alexander
Rep. Bowen Demands Action in Response to Escalating Milwaukee Gun Violence
Rep Bowen Statement on Milwaukee Gun Violence
Jul 10th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Statement from Rep. Bowen on Assembly’s Passage of Backwards Republican Budget
“We’ve known from the start that this budget is wrong for Wisconsin.”
Jul 9th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Reps. Bowen & Brostoff Introduce Heat & Eat Bill
New Legislation Would Reverse Food Stamp Cuts from 2014 Farm Bill
Jun 4th, 2015 by State Rep. David Bowen
Meet and Greet with 10th district candidate at Hybrid Lounge
"My mission is to serve as an open-minded, positive, problem-solving leader as well as a lifelong learner."
Mar 17th, 2015 by Solana Patterson-Ramos
Invitation from Rep. Brostoff to a Protest against the UW Budget Cut Proposal
“This evening I will be rallying with the community in support of the UW system.”
Feb 4th, 2015 by Rep. Jonathan Brostoff
Rep. Barca Welcomes New Members to Legislature
Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) welcomed seven new Democratic representatives to the Wisconsin State Legislatur
Jan 5th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Supervisor David Bowen Questions Hamilton Decision
Says 14 Shots “Excessive,” Urges Community to Stand Firm Against Injustice
Dec 22nd, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisors Announce Support for Couture Project
They Applaud Economic and Community Development Committee for Approval of Project
Dec 8th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisors Bowen and Rainey to Hold Joint Town Hall Meeting October 30
Supervisors Welcome Input From 10th and 2nd District Residents on 2015 Budget
Oct 28th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Praises ECD Committee Actions
Bowen Praises Approval of Sale of O’Donnell Parking Structure, Surplus of Community Correctional Center Building, Hammes Project
Oct 28th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Critical of Proposed Utility Rate Increase
Urges Public Service Commission to Table WE Energies Rate Hike Request
Oct 8th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Bowen Applauds Board Passage of Board Resolution Calling for Accountability
Says SHO Audit Will Address Concerns Over Operations
Sep 25th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
County Board Endorses SEIU Driven “Payback” Audit
Sups. Alexander and Borkowski Critical of "SEIU-Driven Payback Audit"
Sep 25th, 2014 by Sup. Deanna Alexander
Supervisor Bowen Thanks Committee Colleagues for MCO Audit Approval
Health and Human Needs Committee Approves Audit for Managed Care Organizations
Sep 17th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor Alexander Opposes SEIU Harassing Private Business
Sup. Alexander to Take "A Stand for Liberty" at SEIU Rally Thursday
Aug 13th, 2014 by Sup. Deanna Alexander
Supervisor Bowen Applauds Raids of Violent Criminals
Announces Resident Leadership Conference on July 26 to Address Quality of Life Issues
Jun 19th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Urges Residents to Attend 7 P.M. Community Call to Action for Shooting Victim at Tiefenthaler Park
Bowen Decries Violence in Parks and Urges More Patrols, Block Watches
May 30th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Praises Organizations for Successful Transit Suit
Lawsuit Will Bring $13.5 Million to Milwaukee County for New Transit Routes
May 20th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen Praises Low-wage Workers
Compares Fight for Economic Justice with Civil Rights Movement
May 15th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
David Bowen Announces Candidacy for Wisconsin’s 10th State Assembly District
David Bowen to run for Wisconsin’s 10th Assembly District
Apr 7th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Statement of Supervisor David Bowen Regarding the April 1 Referendum
"Yesterday, wealthy special interests won a bad poll of public perception at the expense of our democratic principles."
Apr 2nd, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Criticizes Referendum, Supporters
Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen issued the following statement regarding tomorrow’s referendum on County Supervisors’ pay and benefits.
Mar 31st, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Thanks Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Zilber Family Foundation for Contributions to Johnsons Park
Following the announcement of a $250,000 gift for the revitalization of Johnsons Park from the Zilber Family Foundation and a $100,000 gift from the Rotary Club of Milwaukee for the park, Supervisor David Bowen released the following statement.
Mar 21st, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David Bowen Calls Living Wage Ordinance Passage “A Major Win” for Low Wage Workers in Milwaukee County
Following the Milwaukee County Board's 12-6 veto override of a measure to increase the living wage to $11.32 for employees of contractors doing business with the County, Supervisor David Bowen issued the following statement.
Mar 20th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David F. Bowen Cites Brookings Study on Poverty
Says Study Justifies Living Wage Ordinance
Feb 21st, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Milwaukee County Supervisors David F. Bowen and Khalif Rainey Criticize County Executive on Veto of Living Wage Ordinance
“I urge my colleagues on the County Board to override this veto. The working poor are depending on people of conscience to help lift them out of poverty.”
Feb 14th, 2014 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Bowen Calls Living Wage Bill in Legislature an Attack on the Working Poor and Local Control
Bill Would Prohibit Municipalities from Establishing a “Living Wage”
Feb 11th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Bowen Thanks Colleagues for Passage of Living Wage
Encourages County Executive to Sign Ordinance
Feb 6th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Supervisor David F. Bowen Praises Finance Committee for Passage of Living Wage Ordinance
Milwaukee County Supervisor David F. Bowen today praised the County Board’s Finance, Personnel and Audit Committee for voting to approve a “living wage” of 100 percent of the poverty line.
Jan 30th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
