John W. McGowan was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. His district is comprised of parts of Rockland County including the towns of Ramapo and Orangetown.
John is a seasoned attorney and litigator who is not afraid to make tough decisions and draws upon his legal expertise to prioritize public safety, affordability, and common-sense measures for the residents of the Hudson Valley. As an individual who has extensive professional experience working with law enforcement, he understands that supporting law enforcement personnel is a critical component to ensuring a better and safer New York. Additionally, John focuses on addressing the affordability crisis in this state to preserve the quality of life for those choosing to live and raise their families here, and works to cut wasteful government spending to ease the growing financial burden facing New Yorkers. In addition, John supports our children’s education and parental rights, and advocates for the protection of local municipal control for matters such as zoning and housing, rather than forced state mandates and the misguided “one-size-fits-all” approach to governance.
John is a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas College where he later returned to serve as an adjunct professor teaching criminal law and evidence. He graduated from New York Law School and was the Managing Editor of the New York Law School Law Review. Before entering private practice, John was an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s office and then Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Rockland County District Attorney’s office. Previously, he was elected to the Rockland County Legislature and is involved in many community organizations, including previously serving as President of the Rockland County Ancient Order of the Hibernians.
John is founded his own law firm, McGowan Law, PLLC, and focuses his practice on commercial litigation, criminal defense, and transactional matters, and also serves as labor counsel to several police unions.
John is a lifelong resident of Rockland County and currently resides in Pearl River with his wife, Christine, and their two dogs.