Bill Bowman (American politician)

Bill Bowman (May 26, 1946 – August 15, 2020) was an American politician and businessman who served as a member of the North Dakota State Senate from 1990 until 2018.

Bill Bowman
Member of the North Dakota Senate
from the 39th district
In office
December 1, 1990 – December 1, 2018
Succeeded byDale Patten
Personal details
Born(1946-05-26)May 26, 1946
Baker, Montana
DiedAugust 15, 2020(2020-08-15) (aged 74)
Bowman, North Dakota
Political partyRepublican
EducationDickinson State University (BBA)

Early life and education

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Bowman was born in Baker, Montana[1] and raised on his parents' ranch in Slope County, North Dakota.

Bowman briefly attended Dickinson State University, but left to serve in the United States Army. While Bowman was awaiting deployment to Vietnam in Hawaii, his father died in a farming accident. Bowman received a hardship discharged and returned to North Dakota, where he helped his mother operate the family's ranch. His mother encouraged him to return to Dickinson State University, where Bowman played on the football team and earned a bachelor's degree in business.[2] During his time at Dickinson State, Bowman also became friends with Rich Wardner, with whom he later served in the North Dakota Senate.[3]

Career

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During his career, Bowman worked as an auctioneer, rancher, farmer, and served on the Bowman County Commission.[4][5] In 1989, Bowman was selected to serve as vice chairman of the Republican Party in the 39th district.[6]

North Dakota Senate

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In 1990, Bowman received the Republican nomination to run for a seat in the North Dakota Senate from the 39th district.[7] He defeated incumbent Democratic Senator Rich Maixner.[8][9]

On January 8, 1991, Bowman was appointed to the Human services, and Agriculture Senate committees.[10]

Personal life

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Bowman was a resident of Bowman, North Dakota. He died on August 15, 2020. He was 74 years old.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Former state senator remembered for his tenacity". Bowman County Pioneer. August 21, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  2. ^ "2019 Agribusiness Award - Bill Bowman - NDSU Foundation". North Dakota State University. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  3. ^ a b SVIHOVEC, TRAVIS. "Longtime legislator Bill Bowman dies". Bismarck Tribune. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  4. ^ "Bill Bowman biography". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020.
  5. ^ "Senator Bill L. Bowman". North Dakota Senate. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020.
  6. ^ "GOP in western district elects officers". The Bismarck Tribune. May 21, 1989. p. 18. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "1990 primary results". The Bismarck Tribune. September 3, 1990. p. 19. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Anti-tax mood drives out 'big wheels'". The Bismarck Tribune. November 8, 1990. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "1990 election results". The Bismarck Tribune. November 8, 1990. p. 13. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "1991 committee assignments". The Bismarck Tribune. January 9, 1991. p. 10. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
Party political offices
Preceded by
Keith Bjerke
Republican nominee for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner
1992
Succeeded by
Dina Butcher