Debra Bowen

Debra Lynn Bowen (born October 27, 1955), is an American politician. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She was the Secretary of State of California from 2007 to 2015. Before that, she was a member of the California State Legislature from 1992 to 2006. In March 2008, she was given the Profile in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Bowen was unable to run for a third term in 2014 because of term limits.

Debra Bowen
31st Secretary of State of California
In office January 8, 2007 – January 5, 2015
Governor	Arnold Schwarzenegger Jerry Brown
Preceded by	Bruce McPherson
Succeeded by	Alex Padilla
Member of the California State Senate from the 28th district
In office 1998–2006
Preceded by	Ralph Dills
Succeeded by	Jenny Oropeza
Member of the California State Assembly from the 53rd district
In office 1992–1998
Preceded by	Richard Floyd
Succeeded by	George Nakano
Personal details
Born	(1955-10-27) October 27, 1955 Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Mark Nechodom
Alma mater	Michigan State University University of Virginia School of Law
Profession	Lawyer Politician

Sources

California Assembly
Preceded by Richard Floyd	California State Assemblymember, 53rd District December 7, 1992–November 30, 1998	Succeeded by George Nakano
California Senate
Preceded by Ralph Dills	California State Senator, 28th District December 7, 1998–November 30, 2006	Succeeded by Jenny Oropeza
Political offices
Preceded by Bruce McPherson	California Secretary of State January 8, 2007–January 5, 2015	Succeeded by Alex Padilla