Debra Bowen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Debra Bowen
29th Secretary of State of California
In office January 8, 2007 – January 4, 2015
Governor	Arnold Schwarzenegger Jerry Brown
Preceded by	Bruce McPherson
Succeeded by	Alex Padilla
Member of the California State Senate from the 28th district
In office December 7, 1998 – November 30, 2006
Preceded by	Ralph C. Dills
Succeeded by	Jenny Oropeza
Member of the California State Assembly from the 53rd district
In office December 7, 1992 - November 30, 1998
Preceded by	Richard Floyd
Succeeded by	George Nakano
Personal details
Born	(1955-10-27) October 27, 1955 (age 69) Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mark Nechodom ​ ​ (m. 2003; div. 2017)​
Children	1
Education	Michigan State University (BA) University of Virginia (JD)
Profession	Lawyer Politician

Debra Lynn Bowen was born on October 27, 1955. She is an American lawyer and public servant. She served as the Secretary of State of California from 2007 to 2015. Before that, she was a member of the California State Legislature from 1992 to 2006. In March 2008, she received the Profile in Courage Award. This award is given by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Debra Bowen's Early Life and School

Debra Bowen grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She finished Guilford High School in 1973. She earned her first college degree in 1976 from Michigan State University. Later, she got her law degree in 1979 from the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1984, she started her own law business in California.

In September 2014, during her last year as Secretary of State, Bowen shared something personal. She bravely spoke about facing personal challenges since her college days. She promised to finish her term as Secretary of State.

Debra Bowen's Journey in Public Service

Bowen started her public service by working with groups like Neighborhood Watch and Heal the Bay. Her first elected job was in the California State Assembly. She represented the 53rd Assembly District in the South Bay, Los Angeles area. She served there from 1992 to 1998.

In 1998, Bowen was elected to the California State Senate. She represented the 28th State Senate District. This district included many cities like Carson, El Segundo, and Long Beach. She led the California Senate's Committee on Elections. She also served on committees for Energy and Rules. She had to leave the Senate in December 2006 because of term limits. Term limits mean a person can only serve a certain number of times.

On June 6, 2006, Bowen ran in the Democratic primary election. She was running to become the California Secretary of State. She won this primary election with 61% of the votes. Then, in the main election on November 2, 2006, she won against Bruce McPherson. She was re-elected as Secretary of State on November 2, 2010.

Running for Congress

Debra Bowen at a political event in 2011

In 2011, a seat in the U.S. Congress became open. Many people thought Debra Bowen might run for it. On February 15, 2011, she announced she would enter the race. She received support from many groups and leaders. However, she finished third in the special election. This meant she did not move on to the final election for the seat.

Debra Bowen's Focus on Public Policy

Debra Bowen is known for wanting to make government information available online. In 1993, she helped pass a law called Assembly Bill (AB) 1624. This law made all of California's bill information available on the Internet. This helped people easily find out about new laws.

In May 2007, Bowen ordered a "Top to Bottom Review" of California's electronic voting machines. She wanted to make sure these machines were safe and secure. On August 3, 2007, she changed the approval for some voting systems. She found that some machines were not very secure. Because of her work to make voting safer, she received the Profile in Courage Award.

Bowen was also interviewed on a TV show called The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer in 2008. She was also a main speaker at a security conference that year.

Images for kids

• 

  Debra Bowen at a political event in 2011