MEET JOHN

I’m John Bowman, and I’m running to represent you in the Missouri Senate.

For over 40 years, North St. Louis County has been my home, and my life's work has been fighting for justice, opportunity, and second chances for everyday people from all backgrounds. Growing up I witnessed racism  firsthand both as a young black male in both Mississippi and Missouri. While the daily injustices of the Jim Crow South affected me, more importantly, the early experience with oppression shaped my worldview and gave me a clear purpose.

Before starting my journey as a public servant, I paved a path to stability and pride for my family as a union electrician at Missouri’s Chrysler plant, proudly serving 33 years as a member of the United Auto Workers. During that time, I saw firsthand how powerful organized labor can be in lifting working families like mine and creating opportunities for advancement.

My journey into public service began in the community and led me to serve as a Northwoods alderman and later as a State Representative for North County. In Jefferson City, I sponsored and passed legislation related to public health, education, urban development, and senior services. I’m especially proud to have authored Missouri’s current minimum wage law—a measure rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity, regardless of their zip code or past.

In 2008, I faced a harsh truth: pursuing your life’s work isn’t always easy, and responsibility involves more than just good intentions; it requires action. That year, I was given something that changed me forever: a second chance. After a misdemeanor conviction and resigning from public office, my family, faith, and community supported me, reminding me that my life’s work—fighting for justice, opportunity, and second chances for everyday people from all backgrounds—was not lost but refined. Because of their faith in me, I chose to honor them by serving with even more passion and honesty.

Over the years, I have remained deeply committed to my community and dedicated to serving with passion and honesty. When Michael Brown was killed in 2014, I stood with the Brown family, legal advocates, and a new generation of activists to demand accountability. In those historic moments, like standing with the Brown family—and many others—my resolve and dedication to supporting those who are too often denied justice and opportunity grew stronger.

Today, I’ve remained committed to the belief that our community thrives when no one is left behind, working to improve the system for everyday people—especially those who’ve been overlooked or pushed aside.

Whether through serving as President of NAACP St. Louis County since 2017, partnering with community groups like Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to implement youth leadership programs, job training, health fairs, or emergency response efforts, or in my current roles as Director of the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District, Normandy Township Committeeman, and participant in several organizations such as the St. Louis Airport Commission, the County Workforce Development Board, and Annie Malone Family and Children Services, I remain committed.

Professionally, I lead S&P Strategies and Solutions and remain connected to my United Auto Workers family through service as their Senior Business Regional Director and state lobbyist.

In pursuit of my life’s work, I have earned a B.S. in Business and an MBA from Fontbonne University, an Executive Certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and I am an Aspen Institute Fellow. I have been honored as the Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s “Legislator of the Year,” as well as with the NAACP Legislative Award, the MLK Humanitarian Award, and recognized as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Man of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

Above all, I am a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. My family’s faith in me keeps me grounded—and has taught me that true leadership means treating your community like family and showing up even when it's hard. I will bring the experience and service of a seasoned public servant-leader, lessons learned from mistakes, and the hope, faith, and discipline my community has helped me develop.

I’ve always believed in second chances—and this campaign is about more than just the continuation of my life’s work, it’s about creating a Missouri where everyone gets one.

Let’s move District 14—and all of Missouri—forward. Together.