Joe Crowley | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2013 | |
| Chair of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| In office January 3, 2017 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Deputy | Linda Sánchez |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Xavier Becerra |
| Succeeded by | Hakeem Jeffries |
| Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2017 | |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Xavier Becerra |
| Succeeded by | Linda Sánchez |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromNew York | |
| In office January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas J. Manton |
| Succeeded by | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez |
| Constituency | 7th district (1999–2013) 14th district (2013–2019) |
| Member of theNew York State Assembly from the30th district | |
| In office January 1, 1987 – December 31, 1998 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph Goldstein |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Markey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1962-03-16)March 16, 1962 (age 63) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations | Working Families Women's Equality |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Elizabeth Crowley (cousin) |
| Education | Queens College (BA) |
Joseph Crowley (born March 16, 1962) is an American former politician who served asU.S. Representative fromNew York's 14th congressional district from 1999 to 2019. He wasdefeated by Democratic primary challengerAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez in what was viewed as one of the biggestupsets of the2018 midterm elections.[1]
During his tenure, Crowley served asChair of the House Democratic Caucus from 2017 to 2019, as well as the local chairman of theQueens County Democratic Party from 2006 to 2019. He previously served in theNew York State Assembly from 1987 to 1998.[2][3] After leaving Congress, he joined theWashington, D.C. lobbying and law firmSquire Patton Boggs.[4] He left that firm in 2022 and joined the rival law firmDentons.
Crowley was born inWoodside, Queens,New York City, to Joseph F. Crowley Sr., anIrish American, and Eileen Crowley, who emigrated fromCounty Armagh,Northern Ireland. Crowley Sr. served in the United States Army during theKorean War, later becoming a lawyer and aNew York City Police Department detective.[5][6][7] Crowley Jr. is the second of four siblings.[5][6] Crowley Jr.'s paternal uncle Walter H. Crowley was a New York City councilman,[5][6][8][9] and is the namesake of Crowley Playground inElmhurst, Queens.[10]
Crowley attended private Roman Catholic schools in the city, graduating fromPower Memorial Academy in Manhattan in 1981. He graduated fromQueens College in 1985 with a degree in political science and communications.[5][8][7][11] Crowley was inducted into thePower Memorial Academy Hall of Fame in 2011.[12]
Crowley was a member of theNew York State Assembly from 1987 to 1998, sitting in the187th,188th,189th,190th,191st and192nd New York State Legislatures. Because of his Irish roots, he quickly became involved inIrish-American politics throughout New York.[13][14]
Democratic CongressmanThomas J. Manton announced his retirement from Congress in 1998, having already filed for and circulated petitions for reelection. He withdrew on the last day it was legally possible to do so and arranged for Crowley, his chosen successor, to replace him on the ballot. Crowley was not aware of this until Manton phoned him to tell him his name would be on the general election ballot.[15]
Crowley, who had been named as a potential successor to Nancy Pelosi as House Leader or Speaker, sought re-election in 2018.[16]
Backed by the organizationBrand New Congress, bartender and activistAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenged Crowley in the Democratic primary.[17] Ocasio-Cortez, who had been an organizer inBernie Sanders'2016 presidential campaign,[18] was the first primary challenger Crowley had faced since2004.[17] Most observers concluded that Crowley would win the primary, citing his strong support from elected officials and his large fundraising advantage.[18]
In her campaign, Ocasio-Cortez claimed that Crowley was not progressive enough for the district,[19] and also accused him ofcorruption, stating that he was using his position as chair of the Queens Democratic Party improperly.[17] Crowley significantly outspent Ocasio-Cortez prior to the primary election.[20]
On June 26, 2018, Crowley was defeated in theDemocratic primary by Ocasio-Cortez.[21][22] Ocasio-Cortez received 57% of the vote in what was seen as a massive upset.[23][24] Crowley remained on the general election ballot under theWorking Families Party line.[25] Ocasio-Cortez defeated Crowley and Republican Anthony Pappas in theNovember 6 general election, with Crowley receiving 7% of the vote.[26]
Prior toredistricting for the 2012 election, Crowley represented the 7th District, which encompassed portions of Queens and the Bronx. It included neighborhoods such as Woodside, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and College Point, in Queens as well as the neighborhoods ofCastle Hill,Co-op City, Parkchester, Throgs Neck, Morris Park,Pelham Parkway, Pelham Bay,Country Club, and City Island in the eastern Bronx.
After 2013, Crowley representedNew York's 14th congressional district, which includes the easternBronx and part of north-centralQueens. The Queens portion includes the neighborhoods ofSunnyside,Astoria,College Point,East Elmhurst,Jackson Heights,Corona andWoodside. The Bronx portion of the district includes the neighborhoods ofMorris Park,Parkchester,Pelham Bay, andThrogs Neck as well asCity Island.
Crowley served asDemocratic Caucus Chairman of the United States House of Representatives, the fourth highest leadership position in theHouse Democratic Caucus.
Crowley's cousin,New York City firefighter John Michael Moran, was killed as a result of theterrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Crowley authored a bill that provided the9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor to all emergency workers who died as a result of the terrorist acts. He also created the Urban Area Security Initiative, which directs money to prevent terrorism toward regions that are seen as the most threatened.[29]
Crowley, who has spent much time in India, created a Bangladesh caucus and was formerly the chair of the India Caucus.[30]
On October 10, 2002, Crowley was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing theinvasion of Iraq.[31]
Crowley joined Bronx RepresentativeJosé E. Serrano in 2008 in proposing legislation to help clean upPCB-contaminated schools.[32]
In April 2011, Crowley received media attention for an angry "speech" he gave without actually speaking. Crowley ripped pieces of paper with words to deliver his message.[33][34]
Crowley was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998. The seat was considered open after incumbentThomas J. Manton retired.
In 2017, Crowley was the commencement speaker at and received an honorary degree fromTouro Law Center.[35]
Crowley fought against the practice offemale genital mutilation (FGM), both abroad and in the United States. In 2010, he introduced the Girls Protection Act of 2010, which would criminalize the transport of a girl under the age of 18 years old to undergo FGM.[36]
In 2015, he proposed a bill with RepresentativeSheila Jackson Lee encouraging the collection of data on the prevalence of FGM, and to create a plan to better prevent the practice, which is illegal in the United States.[37]
Crowley was a consistent supporter of the 2010Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (known as "Obamacare", or "ACA"). On March 22, 2010, he said: "I... support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a historic measure that will put families first when it comes to accessing health care coverage."[38] He opposed repealing the act, and voted against a repeal on January 19, 2011.[39] Also in 2011, he held an event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the bill's passage.[40]
In 2017, Crowley signed on to H.R. 676, the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. This bill was introduced by former Michigan Congressman John Conyers in January 2017.[41]
Crowley has been a heavy critic of President Trump's plan to build a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border and his decision to endDACA and Temporary Protected Status protection for qualifying immigrants in 2017. In 2017, Crowley introduced a bill that would grant green cards to undocumented workers who helped to recover and clean up New York City after the terrorist attacks on September 11.[42]
Crowley holds the view "that reducing barriers to investment, creating opportunities for small businesses, and providing equitable working conditions for all Americans can and should be part of our national economic policy".[43] He supported federal spending as a way to increase economic growth. In 2008, he endorsed the Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments, which established the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and allowed the Secretary of the Treasury to buy assets from troubled financial institutions.[44]
Crowley advocated tax increases on the highest tax brackets, tax cuts for the middle class, and reduced defense spending. When serving on the Ways and Means Committee, he stated: "I really don't see how it's justifiable or sensible to give a tax cut to the wealthiest among us, but at the same time increase taxes on U.S. soldiers."[45] He also applauded the 2009 Budget for ending the Alternative Minimum Tax, and ensuring tax cuts for 23 million middle-class Americans.[46] In 2011, he opposed a bill that appropriated funds to the defense budget.[47]
In 2017, Crowley opposed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, saying its only goal was to give more tax cuts to America's top 1% than the working class. In December 2017, Crowley said in a floor speech: "It's a scam, and the American people know it. Is this a bill that helps people who are living paycheck to paycheck? Hell, no."[48]
Crowley proposed legislation to improve conditions for renters in his district. In September 2017, he introduced the Rent Relief Act, which would give refundable tax credits to renters.[49]
Crowley's Irish roots influenced his policy decisions in Congress as a member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus. He worked on peace efforts for the conflict in Northern Ireland and securing refuge for those affected by it.[50] Crowley spoke out against President Trump's effort to eliminate the position ofUnited States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland.[51] Trump eventually reversed this decision.[52] Crowley was named "Irish-American of the year" by the Irish Echo in 2018.[53]
Crowley voted in favor of theAuthorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.[54]
In January 2017, Crowley voted for a House resolution condemning theUN Security Council Resolution 2334, which calledIsraeli settlement building in the occupiedPalestinian territories a flagrant violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace.[55]
After leaving Congress in 2019, Crowley joined theWashington, D. C. lobbying and law firmSquire Patton Boggs.[4]
In February 2019, Crowley resigned as chair of the Queens Democratic Party.[56][57][58]
In May 2019, Crowley joined the board of Northern Swan Holdings Inc., an investment firm focused onhemp andmarijuana cultivation inColombia, along with formerSenate Majority LeaderTom Daschle.[59]
Crowley was named a fellow at theGeorgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service.[60] Crowley is a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission,[61] which is charged with planning and executing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Crowley is an honorary co-chair of the Pass USMCA Coalition, an umbrella organization working to passUSMCA, theTrump administration's replacement for theNorth American Free Trade Agreement.[62][63]
In 2022, Crowley left Squire Patton Boggs to move to the Dentons Law Firm, also based in Washington, D.C.[64]
Crowley is married to Kasey Crowley, a registered nurse.[65] They have three children: Cullen, Kenzie, and Liam.[66] He is the cousin of formerNew York City CouncilwomanElizabeth Crowley.[67]
Crowley sits on the board of directors ofAll Hallows High School in the Bronx, New York.[68]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joe Crowley | 116,117 | ||
| Working Families | Joe Crowley | 4,644 | ||
| Total | Joe Crowley (incumbent) | 120,761 | 83.2 | |
| Republican | William Gibbons | 19,191 | ||
| Conservative | William Gibbons | 2,564 | ||
| Total | William Gibbons | 21,755 | 15.0 | |
| Green | Anthony Gronowicz | 2,570 | 1.8 | |
| None | Blank/Void/Scattered | 25,915 | ||
| Total votes | 145,086 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joe Crowley | 45,370 | 67.34 | |
| Working Families | Joe Crowley | 4,982 | 7.39 | |
| Total | Joe Crowley (incumbent) | 50,352 | 74.74 | |
| Conservative | Elizabeth Perri | 6,735 | 10.00 | |
| None | Blank/Void/Write-In | 10,285 | 15.27 | |
| Total votes | 67,372 | 100 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joe Crowley | 138,367 | 70.13% | |
| Working Families | Joe Crowley | 7,317 | 3.71% | |
| Women's Equality | Joe Crowley | 1,903 | 0.96% | |
| Total | Joe Crowley (incumbent) | 147,587 | 74.80% | |
| Republican | Frank J. Spotorno | 26,891 | 13.63% | |
| Conservative | Frank J. Spotorno | 3,654 | 1.85% | |
| Total | Frank J. Spotorno | 30,545 | 15.48% | |
| None | Blank/Void/Scattering | 19,169 | 9.72% | |
| Total votes | 197,301 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | 16,898 | 56.7 | |
| Democratic | Joseph Crowley (incumbent) | 12,880 | 43.3 | |
| Total votes | 29,778 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | 110,318 | 78.2 | |
| Republican | Anthony Pappas | 19,202 | 13.6 | |
| Working Families | Joseph Crowley | 8,075 | 5.7 | |
| Women's Equality | Joseph Crowley | 1,273 | 0.9 | |
| Total | Joseph Crowley (incumbent) | 9,348 | 6.6 | |
| Conservative | Elizabeth Perri | 2,254 | 1.6 | |
| Total votes | 141,122 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| New York State Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Ralph Goldstein (politician) | Member of theNew York Assembly from the 30th district 1987–1998 | Succeeded by |
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by | Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNew York's 7th congressional district 1999–2013 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNew York's 14th congressional district 2013–2019 | Succeeded by |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Chair of theQueens CountyDemocratic Party 2006–2019 | Succeeded by June Bunch Acting |
| Preceded by | Chair of theNew Democrat Coalition 2009–2013 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Vice Chair of the House Democratic Conference 2013–2017 | Succeeded by |
| Chair of the House Democratic Conference 2017–2019 | Succeeded by | |
| U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial) | ||
| Preceded byas Former US Representative | Order of precedence of the United States as Former US Representative | Succeeded byas Former US Representative |
Year of appointment in parentheses | ||||||||||||||
| Members of Congress |
|  | ||||||||||||
| Private citizens |
| |||||||||||||
| Non voting ex officio |
| |||||||||||||
| Former (reappointments italicized) |
| |||||||||||||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
