Gary J. McDowell (born April 21, 1952) is a U.S. politician from the state of Michigan. He was elected to three, two-year terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and served from January 1, 2005, until January 1, 2011. In 2010 and 2012, he was the Democratic nominee for Michigan's 1st congressional district against RepublicanDan Benishek. Prior to serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, McDowell was a member of the Chippewa CountyBoard of Commissioners for 22 years.[2] He also served on the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors from 1987 until 2004.
In 2002, he ran for Michigan's 107th House District, challenging incumbent Republican Scott Shackleton. He lost 69 percent to 31 percent.[5] In 2004, Shackleton was term-limited from the Legislature and McDowell decided to run again. He defeated Walter North, a former member of the state Senate,[6] 54 percent to 46 percent.[7]
In 2006, he won re-election to a second term by defeating Republican Jay Duggan 59 percent to 41 percent.[8] In 2008, he won re-election to a third and final term defeating Republican Alex Strobehn 65 percent to 35 percent.[9]
Tenure
McDowell introduced 98 bills in six years in the Legislature.[10] He has missed a total of 96 votes.[11]
McDowell faced Benishek, independent Glenn Wilson, Libertarian nominee Keith Shelton, Green nominee Ellis Boal, and UST nominee Patrick Lambert in the general election. Democratic incumbent Bart Stupak had announced his retirement, leaving this an open seat.
On September 15, 2011, McDowell announced his intent to run against Benishek in the 2012 election.[13] He has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO[14] and the Blue Dog Coalition.[15] McDowell lost his bid to defeat Benishek for a second straight election, losing to the freshman incumbent by less than 2,000 votes of over 347,000 that were cast.[16] McDowell considered challenging Benishek for a third time in the 2014 elections, but ultimately declined.
Personal life
McDowell lives in Rudyard with his wife Carrie. They have three daughters, Alivia, Emily and Rochelle, and two grandsons, Garrett and Bruin. He is a member of the Rudyard First Presbyterian Church.