Jamaal Anthony Bowman is an American politician, educator, and former U.S. Representative for New York's 16th congressional district, serving from 2021 to 2025. A progressive Democrat associated with the informal 'Squad' of progressive lawmakers, he is known for his progressive stance on issues like education reform, climate action, foreign policy, and advocacy for Palestinian human rights, as well as for his criticism of Israeli settlements and Israel's policies, making him a progressive critic who faced significant opposition from pro-Israel groups. He advocated for conditional aid to Israel. Bowman rose to prominence by defeating long-time incumbent Eliot Engel in the 2020 Democratic primary. His tenure in Congress focused on issues like ending mass incarceration, expanding access to healthcare, addressing racial injustice, and education. In 2024, he lost his primary to George Latimer and was ousted, amid controversies over his foreign policy stances and an AIPAC-backed challenge, which highlighted his criticism of Israel's policies and AIPAC's role.

Before entering politics, Bowman had a 20-year career in education. Born in New York in 1976, he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New Haven and began working as a crisis intervention teacher in a South Bronx public school. He later obtained a master's degree in guidance counseling from Mercy College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Manhattanville College. Bowman founded and served as principal of Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, a middle school in the Bronx, where he emphasized social justice and community engagement. He also played American football in his youth.

Bowman resides in Yonkers, New York, with his wife and three children. His political career was motivated by his experiences in underserved communities, driving his commitment to equity and progressive change. Despite his electoral defeat in 2024, Bowman remains a vocal figure in Democratic politics and education advocacy.