Mo Cowan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mo Cowan
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Official portrait, 2013
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| United States Senator from Massachusetts |
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| In office February 1, 2013 – July 15, 2013 |
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| Appointed by | Deval Patrick |
| Preceded by | John Kerry |
| Succeeded by | Ed Markey |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Maurice Cowan
April 4, 1969 Yadkinville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Stacy Cowan |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Duke University (BA) Northeastern University (JD) |
William Maurice Cowan, born on April 4, 1969, is an American politician. He served as a U.S. Senator for Massachusetts from February to July 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Before becoming a senator, Mo Cowan worked for Governor Deval Patrick. He was the governor's legal counsel and later his chief of staff. Governor Patrick chose him to temporarily fill a Senate spot. This spot became open when Senator John Kerry left to become the U.S. Secretary of State.
Cowan decided not to run for the Senate in the special election that followed. Ed Markey took his place. Mo Cowan was the eighth African-American to serve as a U.S. Senator. He was also the second from Massachusetts, after Edward Brooke.
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Mo Cowan's Early Life and Education
Mo Cowan was born in Yadkinville, North Carolina, on April 4, 1969. His father worked as a machinist, and his mother was a seamstress. His father passed away when Mo was 16 years old.
He graduated from Forbush High School. At first, he wanted to become a doctor. But he changed his mind and graduated from Duke University in 1991. He earned a degree in sociology, which is the study of human society.
Cowan then went to Northeastern University School of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor (a law degree) in 1994. During his law studies, he gained work experience through a special program. He worked in a state court, for a prison legal service, and in a public defender's office.
Mo Cowan's Professional Career
In 1997, Mo Cowan started working at a law firm called Mintz Levin. He worked on civil lawsuits and later became a partner. He even helped Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney find African-American candidates for judgeships.
Cowan joined Governor Deval Patrick's team in 2009. As the governor's legal counsel, he managed all legal matters for the state government. He also helped choose judges for the state, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. He worked on important projects, like laws to control health care costs and to allow more gaming.
Mo Cowan was Governor Patrick's chief legal counsel for two years. Then, from 2011 to 2012, he served as chief of staff. This role meant he managed the governor's office and staff. He later became a senior adviser to the governor. When he was appointed to the Senate, he said he did not plan to seek public office again.
In 2003, a business magazine named him one of the "40 under 40" top young leaders. He has also led the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Northeastern University.
Mo Cowan's Time as a U.S. Senator
Becoming a Senator
In December 2012, Senator John Kerry was nominated to be the Secretary of State. This meant his Senate seat, which he held for 28 years, would become empty. In Massachusetts, the governor can appoint someone to temporarily fill a vacant Senate seat. Governor Deval Patrick said he was looking for someone who had not run for office before. This person would hold the seat only until a special election could be held.
On January 30, 2013, Governor Patrick announced that he was appointing Mo Cowan to the Senate. Mo Cowan became the second African-American U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. He served at the same time as Tim Scott from South Carolina. This was the first time two African-Americans served together in the Senate.
Cowan's term officially started on February 1, 2013. He was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden on February 7. His term ended on July 15, 2013. Ed Markey was sworn in after winning the special election.
Senate Committee Work
During his time in the Senate, Mo Cowan served on several important committees. These committees help lawmakers study different topics and create new laws.
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry: This committee deals with farming, food, and forests.
- Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation: This committee handles topics like trade, technology, and transportation.
- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: This committee focuses on issues important to small businesses and new companies.
Mo Cowan's Personal Life
Mo Cowan is married to Stacy Cowan, who is also a lawyer. They have two sons named Miles and Grant. The family lives in Westwood, Massachusetts. In 2013, Mo Cowan received an honorary degree from Georgetown University. He also gave a speech at their business school graduation ceremony.
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