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{{Short description|American politician (born 1969)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}} |
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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox officeholder |
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|name = Mo Cowan |
|name = Mo Cowan |
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|image = Mo Cowan, official portrait, 113th Congress.jpg |
|image = Mo Cowan, official portrait, 113th Congress.jpg |
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|caption = Official portrait, 2013 |
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|jr/sr = United States Senator |
|jr/sr = United States Senator |
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|state = [[Massachusetts]] |
|state = [[Massachusetts]] |
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|appointed = [[Deval Patrick]] |
|appointed = [[Deval Patrick]] |
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|term_start = February 1, 2013 |
|term_start = February 1, 2013 |
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|term_end = July |
|term_end = July 15, 2013 |
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|predecessor = [[John Kerry]] |
|predecessor = [[John Kerry]] |
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|successor = [[Ed Markey]] |
|successor = [[Ed Markey]] |
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|birth_name = William Maurice Cowan |
|birth_name = William Maurice Cowan |
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|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|4|4}} |
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|4|4}} |
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|birth_place = [[Yadkinville, |
|birth_place = [[Yadkinville, North Carolina]], U.S. |
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|death_date = |
|death_date = |
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|death_place = |
|death_place = |
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|spouse = Stacy Cowan |
|spouse = Stacy Cowan |
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|children = 2 |
|children = 2 |
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|education = [[Duke University]] |
|education = [[Duke University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br/>[[Northeastern University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]]) |
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|website = {{ |
|website = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20130722014503/http://www.cowan.senate.gov|Senate website}} |
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|module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Sen. Mo Cowan Honors Police Officer Casualties from Boston Bombers.ogg|title=Mo Cowan's voice|type=speech|description=Mo Cowan honors Sean Collier and Richard Donohue Jr., police officer casualties of the [[Boston Marathon bombing|Boston bombers]]<br/>Recorded April 25, 2013}} |
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'''William Maurice |
'''William Maurice Cowan''' (born April 4, 1969) is an American politician who served as a [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] from [[Massachusetts]] from February 1, 2013, to July 15, 2013. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], he previously served as legal counsel and chief of staff to Governor [[Deval Patrick]]. Patrick appointed him on an interim basis to fill the vacancy left by fellow Democrat [[John Kerry]], who resigned to become [[United States Secretary of State|U.S. Secretary of State]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Kerry |first=John|title=Letter to Deval Patrick|url=http://cache.boston.com/multimedia/2013/01/29kerry/resignation_letter.pdf |access-date=January 30, 2013 |publisher=boston.com|date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> |
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Cowan was the [[List of African-American United States Senators|eighth African-American U.S. Senator]] and the second from Massachusetts after [[Edward Brooke]]. He was one of three African-American U.S. |
Cowan declined to run in the [[2013 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts|2013 special election]] to complete the remainder of Kerry's term. He was succeeded by fellow Democrat [[Ed Markey]]. Cowan was the [[List of African-American United States Senators|eighth African-American U.S. Senator]] and the second from Massachusetts after [[Edward Brooke]]. He was one of three African-American U.S. senators in the [[113th United States Congress|113th Congress]], along with [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Senator [[Tim Scott]] from [[South Carolina]] and Democrat [[Cory Booker]] from [[New Jersey]], although he did not serve alongside Booker, who took office on October 31, 2013.<ref name=montanaro>{{cite news|last1=Montanaro |first1=Domenico|last2=Murray |first2=Mark |title=Patrick appoints former chief of staff interim senator; first time there will be two black senators |url=http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/30/16772161-patrick-appoints-former-chief-of-staff-interim-senator-first-time-there-will-be-two-black-senators |access-date=January 30, 2013 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
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==Early life and education== |
==Early life and education== |
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Cowan was born on April 4, 1969, in rural [[Yadkinville, North Carolina]], the son of a machinist and a seamstress. His father died when he was 16 years old.<ref name=levenson>{{cite news|author=Michael Levenson|title=For top aide, echoes of |
Cowan was born on April 4, 1969, in rural [[Yadkinville, North Carolina]], the son of a machinist and a seamstress. His father died when he was 16 years old.<ref name=levenson>{{cite news|author=Michael Levenson|title=For top aide, echoes of governor's journey|url=https://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2010/12/13/for_top_patrick_aide_echoes_of_governors_journey/|access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=Boston Globe|date=December 13, 2010}}</ref><ref name=phillips>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Frank|title=William 'Mo' Cowan is Governor Deval Patrick's pick to serve as interim US senator|url=https://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2013/01/30/governor-deval-patrick-announce-interim-senator-pick-today/0dFtO6tg5pnvg6WiLgw7dL/story.html|access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=Boston Globe|date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
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Cowan graduated from Forbush High School |
Cowan graduated from [[Forbush High School]].<ref name=levenson /> Originally planning to become a doctor, he graduated from [[Duke University]] in 1991 with a degree in [[sociology]].<ref name=levenson /> Cowan went on to earn his [[Juris Doctor]] from [[Northeastern University School of Law]] in 1994. His assignments in Northeastern's [[cooperative education|cooperative program]], which provides students with work experience as part of its educational program, included stints in the office of a state trial court, at North Carolina Prison Legal Services, and with the [[Palm Beach County, Florida|Palm Beach County]] Public Defender's Office.<ref name=alumni /> |
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==Professional career== |
==Professional career== |
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In 1997, Cowan joined the law firm of [[Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo|Mintz Levin]] as an associate. There he practiced civil litigation and became a partner. He helped [[Governor of Massachusetts|Massachusetts Governor]] [[Mitt Romney]] identify African-American candidates for judgeships after Romney was criticized for lack of diversity among his appointees.<ref name=phillips/> |
In 1997, Cowan joined the law firm of [[Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo|Mintz Levin]] as an associate. There he practiced civil litigation and became a partner. He helped [[Governor of Massachusetts|Massachusetts Governor]] [[Mitt Romney]] identify African-American candidates for judgeships after Romney was criticized for lack of diversity among his appointees.<ref name=phillips/> |
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Cowan left Mintz Levin to join [[Deval Patrick]]'s administration in 2009.<ref name=seelye>{{cite news|last=Seelye|first=Katharine Q.|title=Boston Lawyer Chosen for |
Cowan left Mintz Levin to join [[Deval Patrick]]'s administration in 2009.<ref name=seelye>{{cite news|last=Seelye|first=Katharine Q.|title=Boston Lawyer Chosen for Kerry's Senate Seat|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/us/politics/boston-lawyer-chosen-for-kerrys-senate-seat.html|access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=New York Times|date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> As Patrick's counsel, Cowan was responsible for the legal operations of the executive branch and oversaw the governor's judicial nominations, including that of Chief Justice of the [[Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court|Supreme Judicial Court]] [[Roderick L. Ireland]]. His principal projects as staff included legislation to contain the growth of health care costs and to expand gaming, as well as investigating and reorganizing the state Parole Board.<ref name=ashton>{{cite news|last1=Ashton |first1=Kimberly|last2=Pickette|first2=Jeffrey|title=Stoughton Resident Mo Cowan to Step Down as Governor Patrick's Chief of Staff|url=http://stoughton.patch.com/articles/stoughton-resident-mo-cowan-to-step-down-as-governor-patricks-chief-of-staff|access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=Stoughton Patch|date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> |
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Cowan served as Patrick's chief legal counsel for two years and then as chief of staff from January 2011 until November 2012, when he announced plans to return to the private sector. He continued to serve the governor as a senior adviser until his Senate appointment.<ref name=ring>{{cite news|last=Ring|first=Dan|title=Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint William Cowan as temporary replacement for Sen. John Kerry|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/01/gov_deval_patrick_names_willia.html | |
Cowan served as Patrick's chief legal counsel for two years and then as chief of staff from January 2011 until November 2012, when he announced plans to return to the private sector. He continued to serve the governor as a senior adviser until his Senate appointment.<ref name=ring>{{cite news|last=Ring|first=Dan|title=Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint William Cowan as temporary replacement for Sen. John Kerry|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/01/gov_deval_patrick_names_willia.html |access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=The Republican|date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> When appointed to the Senate, he said he had no intention of seeking public office once his interim appointment expired. He said: "This is going to be a very short political career. I am not running for office. I'm not a candidate for public service at any time today or in the future."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Battenfeld |first1=Joe|last2=Chabot |first2=Hillary|last3=Cassidy |first3=Chris|title=Gov names adviser Mo Cowan to interim Senate post|url=http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/us_politics/2013/01/gov_names_adviser_mo_cowan_interim_senate_post |access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=Boston Herald|date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
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In 2003, ''Boston Business Journal'' named him to its list of "40 under 40", a select group of younger business and civic leaders.<ref>{{cite web|title=First-ever program brings bar leaders together|url=http://www.massbar.org/publications/lawyers-journal/2003/november/first-ever-program-brings-bar|work=Lawyers Journal, November 2003|publisher=Massachusetts Bar Association| |
In 2003, ''Boston Business Journal'' named him to its list of "40 under 40", a select group of younger business and civic leaders.<ref>{{cite web|title=First-ever program brings bar leaders together|url=http://www.massbar.org/publications/lawyers-journal/2003/november/first-ever-program-brings-bar|work=Lawyers Journal, November 2003|publisher=Massachusetts Bar Association|access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> He is the former president of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association<ref name=alumni>{{cite web|title=William "Mo" Cowan, L'94|url=http://www.northeastern.edu/coop100/alumni/cowan.html|work=Alumni Stories|publisher=Northeastern University|access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> and the Northeastern Law School Alumni Association.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alumni/ae Association Board of Directors|url=http://www.northeastern.edu/law/alumni/stay-connected/board.html|work=School of Law|publisher=Northeastern University|access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> He serves on the Board of Trustees of Northeastern University.<ref>{{cite web|title=Officers of the Corporation and Board of Trustees 2012–2013|url=http://www.northeastern.edu/neuhome/aboutnortheastern/trustees.html|publisher=Northeastern University |access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> Other non-profit boards he has served on include the Discovering Justice Foundation,<ref>{{cite web|title=Discovering Justice Board of Trustees|url=http://www.discoveringjustice.org/index.php?p=about_board |publisher=Discovering Justice|access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> Roxbury Preparatory Charter School,<ref>{{cite web |title=Letter from the Chairperson|url=http://www.doe.mass.edu/charter/reports/2007/annual/0484.pdf|work=2006–2007 Annual Report|publisher=Roxbury Preparatory Charter School|access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> the Chestnut Hill School,<ref>{{cite web |title=Message from the Board President|url=http://www.tchs.org/about/board-of-trustees |work=Board of Trustees |publisher=The Chestnut Hill School|access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> and Project STEP.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Advisors 2012–2013|url=http://www.projectstep.org/profiles/prof_advisors.htm|publisher=Project STEP |access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> |
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==U.S. Senate== |
==U.S. Senate== |
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===Tenure=== |
===Tenure=== |
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[[File:Ed Markey and Mo Cowan at John Kerry farewell - 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Cowan (right) with U.S. Representative |
[[File:Ed Markey and Mo Cowan at John Kerry farewell - 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Cowan (right) with [[Ed Markey|then-U.S. Representative Ed Markey]] (left), his successor in the Senate, at a 2013 gathering]] |
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In December 2012, President [[Barack Obama]] announced the nomination of U.S. Senator and [[United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations Committee]] Chairman [[John Kerry]] to serve as [[Secretary of State of the United States|Secretary of State]], leaving a vacancy in the seat Kerry had held for 28 years.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/21/politics/kerry-nomination | title =Obama nominates John Kerry to be secretary of state | author =Jessica Yellin, Joe Sterling | publisher =[[CNN]] | date =December 21, 2012}}</ref> Under state law, the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] grants the governor of Massachusetts the right to fill vacant U.S. Senate seats with an interim appointment.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://groups.law.gwu.edu/lr/ArticlePDF/79-3-Shedd.pdf | title =Money for Senate Seats and Other Seventeenth Amendment Politicking: How to Amend the Constitution to Prevent Political Scandal During the Filling of Senate Vacancies | author =Daniel T. Shedd | publisher =[[George Washington University Law School]]}}</ref> Governor Deval Patrick announced that he was looking at "out of the box candidates" who had never run for office, and would hold the seat temporarily, forgoing a run in the [[United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2013|special election]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/01/gov_deval_patrick_name_interim_senator_tomorrow | title =Interim Senator tomorrow Buzz Builds for dark horse pick | author =Hillary Chabbot, Joe Battenfield | work=[[Boston Herald]] | date =January 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite |
In December 2012, President [[Barack Obama]] announced the nomination of U.S. Senator and [[United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations Committee]] Chairman [[John Kerry]] to serve as [[Secretary of State of the United States|Secretary of State]], leaving a vacancy in the seat Kerry had held for 28 years.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/21/politics/kerry-nomination | title =Obama nominates John Kerry to be secretary of state | author =Jessica Yellin, Joe Sterling | publisher =[[CNN]] | date =December 21, 2012}}</ref> Under state law, the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] grants the governor of Massachusetts the right to fill vacant U.S. Senate seats with an interim appointment.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://groups.law.gwu.edu/lr/ArticlePDF/79-3-Shedd.pdf | title =Money for Senate Seats and Other Seventeenth Amendment Politicking: How to Amend the Constitution to Prevent Political Scandal During the Filling of Senate Vacancies | author =Daniel T. Shedd | publisher =[[George Washington University Law School]]}}</ref> Governor Deval Patrick announced that he was looking at "out of the box candidates" who had never run for office, and would hold the seat temporarily, forgoing a run in the [[United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2013|special election]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/01/gov_deval_patrick_name_interim_senator_tomorrow | title =Interim Senator tomorrow Buzz Builds for dark horse pick | author =Hillary Chabbot, Joe Battenfield | work=[[Boston Herald]] | date =January 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/01/10/deval-patrick-barney-frank-and-the-politics-of-senate-appointments/ | title =Deval Patrick, Barney Frank and the politics of Senate appointments | author =Sean Sullivan |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date =January 10, 2013}}</ref> |
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On January 30, 2013, Patrick announced the appointment of Cowan to the seat.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/us/politics/boston-lawyer-chosen-for-kerrys-senate-seat.html | title =Governor Appoints Ex-Aide to Fill |
On January 30, 2013, Patrick announced the appointment of Cowan to the seat.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/us/politics/boston-lawyer-chosen-for-kerrys-senate-seat.html | title =Governor Appoints Ex-Aide to Fill Kerry's Seat | author =Katherine Q. Seelye | work=[[The New York Times]] | date =January 30, 2013}}</ref> Cowan became Massachusetts's second [[List of African-American United States Senators|African-American U.S. Senator]] after [[Edward Brooke]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/30/news/la-pn-kerry-interim-replacement-senate-20130130 | title =Mass. governor names ex-aide as interim senator to replace Kerry | author =Michael A. Memoli | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date =January 30, 2013}}</ref> He served alongside [[Tim Scott]] of [[South Carolina]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2013/02/09/a-tale-of-two-senators/ | title =A tale of two senators | author =Gloria J. Browne-Marshall | work=Milwaukee Courier | date =February 9, 2013}}</ref> the first time that two African-Americans served simultaneously in the Senate.<ref name=montanaro/><ref name=giroux>{{cite web | url=http://go.bloomberg.com/political-capital/2013-01-30/senate-two-black-members-a-first/ | title =Senate: Two Black Members a First | author =Gregory Giroux | publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] | date =January 30, 2013}}</ref> Cowan's term officially began on February 1, 2013, once Kerry's resignation took effect. He was sworn in by Vice President [[Joe Biden]] on February 7.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miga |first=Andrew |title='Mo' Cowan sworn in as Massachusetts' new senator |url=https://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/2013/02/07/cowan-sworn-massachusetts-new-senator/rngQXBghWV9LYwg6lyawzI/story.html |access-date=February 7, 2013 |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=February 7, 2013}}</ref> The term ended on July 15, 2013, when [[Ed Markey]] was sworn in following the special election. |
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===Committee assignments=== |
===Committee assignments=== |
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**[[United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation|Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation]] |
**[[United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation|Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation]] |
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**[[United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security|Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security]] |
**[[United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security|Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security]] |
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**[[United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research|Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research]] ( |
**[[United States Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research|Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research]] (chair) |
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*'''[[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation|Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation]]''' |
*'''[[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation|Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation]]''' |
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**[[United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security|Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security]] |
**[[United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security|Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security]] |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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He is married to Stacy Cowan. She also is a lawyer.<ref name=levenson /> They have two sons, Miles and Grant, and live in [[Westwood, Massachusetts]].<ref name=ashton /> He received an honorary degree from [[Georgetown University]] in 2013 and spoke at the commencement ceremony for the [[McDonough School of Business]].<ref>{{Cite news| url = http://www.georgetown.edu/about/governance/honorary-degrees-list/index.html |title=Honorary Degree Recipients|publisher=[[Georgetown University]] | |
He is married to Stacy Cowan. She also is a lawyer.<ref name=levenson /> They have two sons, Miles and Grant, and live in [[Westwood, Massachusetts]].<ref name=ashton /> He received an honorary degree from [[Georgetown University]] in 2013 and spoke at the commencement ceremony for the [[McDonough School of Business]].<ref>{{Cite news| url = http://www.georgetown.edu/about/governance/honorary-degrees-list/index.html |title=Honorary Degree Recipients|publisher=[[Georgetown University]] |access-date = March 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url =http://msb.georgetown.edu/newsroom/news/senator-cowan-business-graduates-value-self-worth-over-net-worth |title=Senator Cowan to Business Graduates: Value Self Worth over Net Worth|publisher=[[McDonough School of Business]] |date = May 18, 2013}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of African-American United States |
*[[List of African-American United States senators]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2d511fca-6af8-11e2-af53-7b2b2a7510a8_topic.html Collected news and commentary] at ''[[The Washington Post]]'' |
* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2d511fca-6af8-11e2-af53-7b2b2a7510a8_topic.html Collected news and commentary] at ''[[The Washington Post]]'' |
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{{s-ttl|title=[[List of United States senators from Massachusetts|United States Senator (Class 2) from Massachusetts]]|years=2013|alongside=[[Elizabeth Warren]]}} |
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{{United States |
{{United States senators from Massachusetts}} |
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{{USCongRep-start|congresses= 113th [[United States Congress]] |state=[[Massachusetts]]}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cowan, Mo}} |
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[[Category:1969 births]] |
[[Category:1969 births]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American |
[[Category:21st-century American legislators]] |
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[[Category:African-American lawyers]] |
[[Category:21st-century African-American lawyers]] |
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[[Category:African-American people in Massachusetts politics]] |
[[Category:African-American people in Massachusetts politics]] |
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[[Category:African-American United States senators]] |
[[Category:African-American United States senators]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Chiefs of staff to the governor of Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Democratic Party United States senators]] |
[[Category:Democratic Party United States senators from Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Duke University alumni]] |
[[Category:Duke University Trinity College of Arts and Sciences alumni]] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:Massachusetts Democrats]] |
[[Category:Massachusetts Democrats]] |
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[[Category:People from Yadkinville, North Carolina]] |
[[Category:People from Yadkinville, North Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Politicians from Boston]] |
[[Category:Politicians from Boston]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:21st-century African-American politicians]] |
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Latest revision as of 14:44, 27 June 2024
Mo Cowan | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2013 | |
| United States Senator from Massachusetts | |
| In office February 1, 2013 – July 15, 2013 | |
| 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) |
| Website | Senate website |
William Maurice Cowan (born April 4, 1969) is an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from February 1, 2013, to July 15, 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as legal counsel and chief of staff to Governor Deval Patrick. Patrick appointed him on an interim basis to fill the vacancy left by fellow Democrat John Kerry, who resigned to become U.S. Secretary of State.[1]
Cowan declined to run in the 2013 special election to complete the remainder of Kerry's term. He was succeeded by fellow Democrat Ed Markey. Cowan was the eighth African-American U.S. Senator and the second from Massachusetts after Edward Brooke. He was one of three African-American U.S. senators in the 113th Congress, along with Republican Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina and Democrat Cory Booker from New Jersey, although he did not serve alongside Booker, who took office on October 31, 2013.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Cowan was born on April 4, 1969, in rural Yadkinville, North Carolina, the son of a machinist and a seamstress. His father died when he was 16 years old.[3][4]
Cowan graduated from Forbush High School.[3] Originally planning to become a doctor, he graduated from Duke University in 1991 with a degree in sociology.[3] Cowan went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 1994. His assignments in Northeastern's cooperative program, which provides students with work experience as part of its educational program, included stints in the office of a state trial court, at North Carolina Prison Legal Services, and with the Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office.[5]
Professional career
[edit]In 1997, Cowan joined the law firm of Mintz Levin as an associate. There he practiced civil litigation and became a partner. He helped Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney identify African-American candidates for judgeships after Romney was criticized for lack of diversity among his appointees.[4]
Cowan left Mintz Levin to join Deval Patrick's administration in 2009.[6] As Patrick's counsel, Cowan was responsible for the legal operations of the executive branch and oversaw the governor's judicial nominations, including that of Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court Roderick L. Ireland. His principal projects as staff included legislation to contain the growth of health care costs and to expand gaming, as well as investigating and reorganizing the state Parole Board.[7]
Cowan served as Patrick's chief legal counsel for two years and then as chief of staff from January 2011 until November 2012, when he announced plans to return to the private sector. He continued to serve the governor as a senior adviser until his Senate appointment.[8] When appointed to the Senate, he said he had no intention of seeking public office once his interim appointment expired. He said: "This is going to be a very short political career. I am not running for office. I'm not a candidate for public service at any time today or in the future."[9]
In 2003, Boston Business Journal named him to its list of "40 under 40", a select group of younger business and civic leaders.[10] He is the former president of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association[5] and the Northeastern Law School Alumni Association.[11] He serves on the Board of Trustees of Northeastern University.[12] Other non-profit boards he has served on include the Discovering Justice Foundation,[13] Roxbury Preparatory Charter School,[14] the Chestnut Hill School,[15] and Project STEP.[16]
U.S. Senate
[edit]Tenure
[edit]
In December 2012, President Barack Obama announced the nomination of U.S. Senator and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry to serve as Secretary of State, leaving a vacancy in the seat Kerry had held for 28 years.[17] Under state law, the House of Representatives grants the governor of Massachusetts the right to fill vacant U.S. Senate seats with an interim appointment.[18] Governor Deval Patrick announced that he was looking at "out of the box candidates" who had never run for office, and would hold the seat temporarily, forgoing a run in the special election.[19][20]
On January 30, 2013, Patrick announced the appointment of Cowan to the seat.[21] Cowan became Massachusetts's second African-American U.S. Senator after Edward Brooke.[22] He served alongside Tim Scott of South Carolina,[23] the first time that two African-Americans served simultaneously in the Senate.[2][24] Cowan's term officially began on February 1, 2013, once Kerry's resignation took effect. He was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden on February 7.[25] The term ended on July 15, 2013, when Ed Markey was sworn in following the special election.
Committee assignments
[edit]- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
- Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
- Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
- Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
- Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion
- Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance
- Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
- Subcommittee on Science and Space
- Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Personal life
[edit]He is married to Stacy Cowan. She also is a lawyer.[3] They have two sons, Miles and Grant, and live in Westwood, Massachusetts.[7] He received an honorary degree from Georgetown University in 2013 and spoke at the commencement ceremony for the McDonough School of Business.[26][27]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Kerry, John (January 29, 2013). "Letter to Deval Patrick" (PDF). boston.com. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ a b Montanaro, Domenico; Murray, Mark (January 30, 2013). "Patrick appoints former chief of staff interim senator; first time there will be two black senators". NBC News. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Michael Levenson (December 13, 2010). "For top aide, echoes of governor's journey". Boston Globe. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ a b Phillips, Frank (January 30, 2013). "William 'Mo' Cowan is Governor Deval Patrick's pick to serve as interim US senator". Boston Globe. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ a b "William "Mo" Cowan, L'94". Alumni Stories. Northeastern University. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ Seelye, Katharine Q. (January 30, 2013). "Boston Lawyer Chosen for Kerry's Senate Seat". New York Times. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ a b Ashton, Kimberly; Pickette, Jeffrey (November 27, 2012). "Stoughton Resident Mo Cowan to Step Down as Governor Patrick's Chief of Staff". Stoughton Patch. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ Ring, Dan (January 30, 2013). "Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint William Cowan as temporary replacement for Sen. John Kerry". The Republican. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ Battenfeld, Joe; Chabot, Hillary; Cassidy, Chris (January 30, 2013). "Gov names adviser Mo Cowan to interim Senate post". Boston Herald. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ "First-ever program brings bar leaders together". Lawyers Journal, November 2003. Massachusetts Bar Association. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ "Alumni/ae Association Board of Directors". School of Law. Northeastern University. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ "Officers of the Corporation and Board of Trustees 2012–2013". Northeastern University. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ^ "Discovering Justice Board of Trustees". Discovering Justice. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ "Letter from the Chairperson" (PDF). 2006–2007 Annual Report. Roxbury Preparatory Charter School. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ "Message from the Board President". Board of Trustees. The Chestnut Hill School. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ "Board of Advisors 2012–2013". Project STEP. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ Jessica Yellin, Joe Sterling (December 21, 2012). "Obama nominates John Kerry to be secretary of state". CNN.
- ^ Daniel T. Shedd. "Money for Senate Seats and Other Seventeenth Amendment Politicking: How to Amend the Constitution to Prevent Political Scandal During the Filling of Senate Vacancies" (PDF). George Washington University Law School.
- ^ Hillary Chabbot, Joe Battenfield (January 29, 2013). "Interim Senator tomorrow Buzz Builds for dark horse pick". Boston Herald.
- ^ Sean Sullivan (January 10, 2013). "Deval Patrick, Barney Frank and the politics of Senate appointments". The Washington Post.
- ^ Katherine Q. Seelye (January 30, 2013). "Governor Appoints Ex-Aide to Fill Kerry's Seat". The New York Times.
- ^ Michael A. Memoli (January 30, 2013). "Mass. governor names ex-aide as interim senator to replace Kerry". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Gloria J. Browne-Marshall (February 9, 2013). "A tale of two senators". Milwaukee Courier.
- ^ Gregory Giroux (January 30, 2013). "Senate: Two Black Members a First". Bloomberg.
- ^ Miga, Andrew (February 7, 2013). "'Mo' Cowan sworn in as Massachusetts' new senator". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- ^ "Honorary Degree Recipients". Georgetown University. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
- ^ "Senator Cowan to Business Graduates: Value Self Worth over Net Worth". McDonough School of Business. May 18, 2013.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mo Cowan.
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
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Categories:
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