Jan McDowell

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Jan McDowell

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

High school

Richardson High School

Bachelor's

Texas Tech University, 1974

Personal

Birthplace

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Religion

Unitarian Universalist

Profession

Certified public accountant

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign TikTok

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Jan McDowell (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 32nd Congressional District. She lost in the Democratic primary on March 5, 2024.

McDowell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jan McDowell was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned a high school diploma from Richardson High School and a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from Texas Tech University in 1974. Her career experience includes working as a certified public accountant. McDowell has been affiliated with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON), the Dallas Democratic Forum, and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans (TARA).

Elections

2024

See also: Texas' 32nd Congressional District election, 2024

Texas' 32nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

Texas' 32nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 32

Julie Johnson defeated Darrell Day and Kevin Hale in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 32 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Julie Johnson (D)	60.5	140,536
		Darrell Day (R)	37.0	85,941
		Kevin Hale (L)	2.6	5,987

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 232,464
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Clayton Chapman (Independent)

Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 32

Darrell Day defeated David Blewett in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 32 on May 28, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Darrell Day	64.8	3,394
		David Blewett	35.2	1,842

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,236
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 32

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 32 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Julie Johnson	50.4	17,633
		Brian Williams	19.2	6,704
		Justin Moore	7.1	2,483
		Jan McDowell	4.9	1,722
		Zachariah Manning	4.6	1,617
		Raja Chaudhry	3.6	1,258
		Callie Butcher	3.3	1,169
		Kevin Felder	3.1	1,101
		Alex Cornwallis	2.6	909
		Christopher Panayiotou	1.0	361

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 34,957
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 32

David Blewett and Darrell Day advanced to a runoff. They defeated Juan Feria and Gulrez Khan in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 32 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		David Blewett	44.4	10,706
✔		Darrell Day	38.2	9,211
		Juan Feria	9.9	2,397
		Gulrez Khan	7.4	1,787

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 24,101
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 32

Kevin Hale advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 32 on March 23, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Kevin Hale (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McDowell in this election.

2022

See also: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Incumbent Beth Van Duyne defeated Jan McDowell in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Beth Van Duyne (R)	59.7	177,947
		Jan McDowell (D)	40.3	119,878

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 297,825
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24

Jan McDowell defeated Derrik Gay in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24 on May 24, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jan McDowell	51.2	7,118
		Derrik Gay	48.8	6,788

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,906
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Jan McDowell and Derrik Gay advanced to a runoff. They defeated Kathy Fragnoli in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jan McDowell	39.3	11,467
✔		Derrik Gay	32.8	9,571
		Kathy Fragnoli	27.9	8,139

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,177
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michelle Beckley (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Incumbent Beth Van Duyne defeated Nate Weymouth in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Beth Van Duyne	85.0	61,768
	Submit photo	Nate Weymouth	15.0	10,868

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 72,636
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

See also: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2020

Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Beth Van Duyne defeated Candace Valenzuela, Darren Hamilton, Steve Kuzmich, and Mark Bauer in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Beth Van Duyne (R)	48.8	167,910
		Candace Valenzuela (D)	47.5	163,326
		Darren Hamilton (L)	1.6	5,647
		Steve Kuzmich (Independent)	1.2	4,229
		Mark Bauer (Independent)	0.8	2,909

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 344,021
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24

Candace Valenzuela defeated Kim Olson in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24 on July 14, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Candace Valenzuela	60.4	20,003
		Kim Olson	39.6	13,131

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 33,134
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kim Olson	41.0	24,442
✔		Candace Valenzuela	30.4	18,078
		Jan McDowell	10.0	5,965
	Submit photo	Crystal Fletcher (Unofficially withdrew)	5.7	3,386
		Richard Fleming	5.1	3,010
		Sam Vega	4.5	2,677
		John Biggan	3.4	1,996

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 59,554
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• William Carl Fisher (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Beth Van Duyne defeated David Fegan, Desi Maes, Sunny Chaparala, and Jeron Liverman in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Beth Van Duyne	64.3	32,067
		David Fegan	20.7	10,295
		Desi Maes	5.8	2,867
		Sunny Chaparala	5.6	2,808
		Jeron Liverman	3.6	1,809

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 49,846
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Deanna Maria Metzger (R)

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24

Darren Hamilton advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Darren Hamilton (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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2018

See also: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Incumbent Kenny Marchant defeated Jan McDowell and Mike Kolls in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kenny Marchant (R)	50.6	133,317
		Jan McDowell (D)	47.5	125,231
		Mike Kolls (L)	1.8	4,870

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 263,418
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Jan McDowell defeated John Biggan, Edward Allen, and Joshua Andrew Imhoff in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jan McDowell	52.5	14,551
		John Biggan	21.5	5,970
	Submit photo	Edward Allen	20.0	5,556
		Joshua Andrew Imhoff	6.0	1,663

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27,740
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Incumbent Kenny Marchant defeated Johnathan Davidson in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kenny Marchant	74.4	30,310
		Johnathan Davidson	25.6	10,425

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 40,735
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Kenny Marchant (R) defeated Jan McDowell (D), Mike Kolls (L) and Kevin McCormick (G) in the general election on November 8, 2016. No candidates faced any primary opposition on March 1, 2016.

U.S. House, Texas District 24 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Kenny Marchant Incumbent	56.2%	154,845
	Democratic	Jan McDowell	39.3%	108,389
	Libertarian	Mike Kolls	3.1%	8,625
	Green	Kevin McCormick	1.4%	3,776
Total Votes				275,635
Source: Texas Secretary of State

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jan McDowell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McDowell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Americans deserve to have representatives who understand that politics is not a game. With our democracy on the line, I'm determined to promote solutions that can benefit the biggest number of people. People should be able to thrive, not merely survive. As a retired CPA, I'll focus on the financial issues that for too long have caused an ever-growing income and wealth inequality gap. We should remember that We All Do Better When We ALL Do Better.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Gun safety is long overdue. I will consistently support any measures that advance our safety. My preference would be to recognize the big need...a ban on assault weapons.
• Women must have the right to make their own choices over their healthcare in every situation. There is no place for politicians in the doctor's office or hospital. TRUST WOMEN.
• The sustainability of our planet is an existential issue for all. We MUST transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as quickly as possible. Any current obstacles must be approached as challenges to be overcome, not as reasons to abandon the effort.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate change

Gun safety
Women's right to choose
Strengthening and ensuring our democracy

An economy build from the bottom up and the middle out

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think that it can be beneficial, but that it is not mandatory. Sometimes a fresh perspective is better than lots of experience at doing things "the way we've always done it."

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Preserving our home planet has to be at the top of the list, since the alternative is unimaginable.

Also, we need to become a nation that is truly governed by majority rule. No gerrymandered maps to skew the representation, and no filibuster in the Senate that means that a 59-41 vote is "won" by the 41. The voice and rights of the minority must be respected and acknowledged, but the majority must ultimately make the decisions.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Before setting a mandated limit, I would prefer to allow voters to make that choice. If maps were fair (no gerrymandering) and campaign finance laws were strengthened, then each representative would have a fair election every two years. If voters want that legislator to continue, then so be it. Otherwise, the voters will have a reasonable opportunity to replace them.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that productive discussion, with a consideration of all relevant input, is the way to approach policymaking. Productive discussion requires that input be based on facts, not on fearmongering. Given those parameters, yes, compromise is the right approach.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Jan McDowell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McDowell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Jan McDowell, candidate for Congress in District 24. I have lived in the North Texas area since I was 8 years old, growing up in Richardson and now living in Carrollton for the past 40-plus years. I know this area, and I will be proud to represent it in Washington!

I’m a retired CPA. Looking at budgeting and common sense financial decisions are things I do. Someone needs to be doing that in Washington! I’m convinced that everyone will benefit when everyone can participate and have an opportunity to succeed in America.

For 2022 and the near future, though, the economy may need to take a back seat. The two things that I’m laser focused on are saving our democracy and saving our planet. Both are existential crises, and everything else needs to come after we ensure that both of those are secured.

As the candidate who came within 3 points of winning the seat in 2018, I’ve been building name recognition, goodwill and relationships all across the district for several years. When there’s so much on the line, I’m the candidate who gives us the best potential to flip this seat.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• We must ensure that our democracy will survive. Every eligible citizen must be able to vote, and every vote must be reliably counted and certified. Campaign finance laws must ensure fairness, and redistricting should be nonpartisan.
• Our planet must be a safe place for us and the generations that follow to live. The way to achieve that is to make a speedy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
• Our economy must work for everyone. Laws should strive to provide opportunity for all to succeed. Everyone will benefit when each person has the chance to achieve their full potential.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We absolutely must address climate change as the “house on fire” emergency that it is. Renewable energy sources are the answer. Subsidies should be provided to encourage research and development on the storage and transmission issues that are currently the weak links in the system. Americans should receive tax credits for energy efficient improvements such as solar panels and electric cars. And fossil fuel companies, which have been making record profits while they drive our planet toward the ultimate cliff, must not get any further government supports or subsidies. Environmental protections are essential.

In our economy, I think fairness and equity should be the overall aims. That means a tax code that treats income as income, whether it's ordinary income or the capital gains of the wealthy. It means protections (some call them regulations) that keep employers and employees, as well as financial institutions and consumers on a viable footing.

Transparency and integrity are key. People should be able to trust that Congress will act in the best interests of the nation and its people. Not in the best interests of a political party or the member's own self interest.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The 2011 documentary "Inside Job" is what got me started on this quest. It showed the complicity of government officials when our housing and financial markets were headed toward disaster. A friend said that we need to elect different people if we want different results. I want to be that difference, putting the common good ahead of the phenomenal gains of a few.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A representative should be willing to listen to others...constituents, colleagues, and other Americans. I think that an openness to learn, and to acknowledge not having all the answers, is key.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Persistence, organization, reliability to follow through on commitments, openness to learn from others with expertise

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As a representative, the office holder should represent their constituents. That means being accessible and open to learning about and discussing issues that are important to residents of the district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be seen as a member of Congress who people could finally feel like they can talk to and stay in touch with.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was in fifth grade when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I still remember being lined up in the hall, coming back from lunch, when our teacher told us.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a lifeguard at the City of Richardson pools for the three summers after my three years at Richardson High School.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Small Great Things, by Jodi Picoult. It really gave me a perspective on some of the things that make life for an African American person different from the life I have experienced.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Climate change. That will be key in driving every other issue. Immigration, poverty, our very survival. This is a non-negotiable number one priority. Mother Nature won't give us a do-over if we fail.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

In a perfect world, I would prefer not to have term limits. I would like to see each election be a fair contest, with limits on campaign funding and fairly drawn district lines. Thus, voters would have an actual chance to end an incumbent's length of service. And a truly good representative wouldn't be eliminated just because the clock ran out.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I am very impressed with Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA). She has a focus on the same economic issues that are important to me. And she approaches things with a very smart, direct, cut-to-the-chase focus that is very effective.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, as long as both sides are negotiating in good faith, and with an agreement on the facts of the matter at hand.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

McDowell's campaign website stated the following:

“	Taxes: Income is income. There should not be rules favoring capital gains income (typically earned by the wealthy) over ordinary income (your paycheck, or small business profit). Environment: This Earth is the place we call home. Let’s treat it accordingly. And it’s home for ALL of us. If you don’t want something in your backyard, don’t assume it will be ok down the road where someone else lives. Protections safeguarding our planet have a higher priority than the ability of a corporation to make ever bigger profits. And yes, I believe in science. As the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” It’s time for a new national goal: to become a nation powered by sustainable, renewable sources rather than by fossil fuels. In the 1800s, we strove to build the Transcontinental Railroad, and in the 1960s we took pride in a national effort to put a man on the moon. This new goal must be what we rally around in the 21st century. As we encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, our clean energy revolution will provide the millions of new jobs to put those STEM graduates into great careers. Social Security: It’s a safety net lifting 14.7 million elderly Americans out of poverty. Benefits are earned through a lifetime of work. While life expectancy has increased dramatically, the very people who are most dependent on Social Security benefits are also more likely to be working in occupations that make it difficult to continue working into their later years. So an increase in the retirement age is not the answer. Raising or eliminating the wage cap for the Social Security tax, as has been done for the Medicare tax, is what I would support. Also, applying the Social Security tax to income currently labeled “capital gains income” would net a huge inflow of funding into the program. Immigration: No human is illegal. Yes, it’s important to protect the safety, which means deporting people convicted of felonies. But we are all immigrants, and the diverse tapestry of America is made better by the contributions of all. Our economy depends on the work being done by all. Our safety relies on people being confident that they can report information to law enforcement without fear for their own safety. Healthcare: Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The United States should not be the only country in the Western world that does not realize that foundational idea. A Medicare-for-all approach is probably the answer. In the meantime, we should be making improvements to Obamacare to ensure that people continue to have the healthcare they need. Abortion: No one is “pro-abortion.” Abortions should be safe and legal. That requires easy access to contraception, and to a robust sexual education. A woman must ultimately have the right to make her own decisions about her body. Women’s rights: Women’s rights are human rights. Gender pay equality should be a no-brainer. Affordable, accessible child care benefits everyone…men, women, and children. Paid maternity and/or paternity leave are also important building blocks for families to thrive, which again benefits us all. Equality for All: ALL citizens of our country deserve protection and equal treatment in all areas of life. If non-discrimination laws do not adequately identify a particular group to be protected, then the designation must be broadened to cover them. Regardless of Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Sexuality, ALL means ALL. Gun Sense: It is unconscionable that the NRA has been able to use their seemingly bottomless pit of money to “persuade” Republican members of Congress to avoid even a vote on common sense gun measures endorsed by a big majority of all Americans. Those common-sense measures include ensuring that a background check is conducted on all gun purchases and banning the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Pretending to “Back the Blue” while allowing officers to be out-gunned by civilians is hypocrisy.	”
—Jan McDowell's campaign website (2022)

2020

Jan McDowell did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

McDowell’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Immigration No human is illegal. Yes, it’s important to protect our safety, which means deporting people convicted of felonies. But we are all immigrants, and the diverse tapestry of America is made better by the contributions of all. Our economy depends on the work being done by all. Our safety relies on people being confident that they can report information to law enforcement without fear for their own safety. Healthcare Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The United States should not be the only country in the Western world that does not realize that foundational idea. A Medicare-for-all approach is probably the answer. In the meantime, we should be making improvements to Obamacare to ensure that people continue to have the healthcare they need. Environment This Earth is the place we call home Let’s treat it accordingly. And it’s home for ALL of us. If you don’t want something in your backyard, don’t assume it will be ok down the road where someone else lives. Protections safeguarding our planet have a higher priority than the ability of a corporation to make ever bigger profits. And yes, I believe in science. As the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” It’s time for a new national goal: to become a nation powered by sustainable, renewable sources rather than by fossil fuels. In the 1800s, we strove to build the Transcontinental Railroad, and in the 1960s we took pride in a national effort to put a man on the moon. This new goal must be what we rally around in the 21st century. As we encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, our clean energy revolution will provide the millions of new jobs to put those STEM graduates into great careers. Taxes Income is income. There should not be rules favoring capital gains income (typically earned by the wealthy) over ordinary income (your paycheck, or small business profit). “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” —The late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan Social Security It’s a safety net lifting 14.7 million elderly Americans out of poverty. Benefits are earned through a lifetime of work. While life expectancy has increased dramatically, the very people who are most dependent on Social Security benefits are also more likely to be working in occupations that make it difficult to continue working into their later years. So an increase in the retirement age is not the answer. Raising or eliminating the wage cap for the Social Security tax, as has been done for the Medicare tax, is what I would support. Also, applying the Social Security tax to income currently labeled “capital gains income” would net a huge inflow of funding into the program. Abortion No one is “pro-abortion.” Abortions should be safe, legal, and rare. That requires easy access to contraception, and to a robust sexual education. A woman must ultimately have the right to make her own decisions about her body. Women’s Rights Women’s rights are human rights. Gender pay equality should be a no-brainer. Affordable, accessible child care benefits everyone…men, women, and children. Paid maternity and/or paternity leave are also important building blocks for families to thrive, which again benefits us all. Equality for All ALL citizens of our country deserve protection and equal treatment in all areas of life. If non-discrimination laws do not adequately identify a particular group to be protected, then the designation must be broadened to cover them. Regardless of Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Sexuality, ALL means ALL. Gun Sense It is unconscionable that the NRA has been able to use their seemingly bottomless pit of money to “persuade” Republican members of Congress to avoid even a vote on common sense gun measures endorsed by a big majority of all Americans. Those common-sense measures include ensuring that a background check is conducted on all gun purchases and banning the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Pretending to “Back the Blue” while allowing officers to be out-gunned by civilians is hypocrisy.	”
—Jan McDowell’s campaign website (2020)

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys

Jan McDowell participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on July 24, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Jan McDowell's responses follow below.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“

My top priorities would be shrinking the income and wealth inequality gap, healthcare for all, and protecting the environment. Income Inequality: The income and wealth inequality gap is a critical, if not the most critical, problem our country faces. We take pride in the belief that any person in America can achieve anything he or she wants to achieve. As the gap widens, there is less and less truth behind that belief. A tax policy that gives preferential treatment to income typically earned by the wealthy (capital gains income) over income earned by the vast majority of Americans (ordinary income) contributes to the gap. Congress can change that. A minimum wage that has no relationship to a living wage contributes to the gap. Congress can change that. Allowing our country to slip in world educational achievement rankings contributes to the gap. Pushing for subsidies for wealthy parents to opt out of public education, taking their dollars with them, would exacerbate it. Congress has a responsibility to the people of this nation to ensure that will not happen. Healthcare: I strongly support the Affordable Care Act, and oppose efforts to undermine or repeal it, unless and until we have something in place that will provide better coverage to more people. Healthcare is a right of every person, not a privilege for those able to afford it. By whatever name or means necessary, healthcare for all must become a reality in our nation. It is appalling that the United States is the only developed nation in the world without universal healthcare. Studies have shown that we spend more and achieve poorer outcomes than other developed nations. A reordering of our priorities is clearly needed. Protecting the Environment: The very notion that, in today’s world of politics, we need to discuss whether we acknowledge climate science is disturbing. I believe in science. As the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” We live in a time rich with exciting opportunities. As in the 1800s, when the Transcontinental Railroad was built, our century can and must be a time when new jobs are created by the millions to transform our energy infrastructure. To do anything else would be to abdicate our responsibility to our planet. It’s time to begin a speedy transition to renewable energy sources. Fuel economy standards for cars and equipment must be strengthened. There should be negative tax effects, not subsidies, for fossil fuel companies, and corresponding tax incentives for clean energy. As we encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, our clean energy revolution will provide the millions of new jobs to put those STEM graduates into great careers. Now that I have three young grandchildren, I’m more determined than ever to safeguard the sustainability of our planet. The fact that the EPA is being gutted so that corporations can ignore critical protections to our air and water must be stopped and reversed.

”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

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Having an economy that works for everyone, and preserving our planet for future generations, both of which are discussed above.

”

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Jan McDowell answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

“

President Barack Obama. He stood firm in the face of a Congress led by Republicans who were solely motivated by their determination to derail his efforts. I am so thankful that he was our President when our economy was on the verge of disaster, and that he was able to steer it back toward recovery. Since he left office, President Obama has continued to be the epitome of a class act. He inspires Americans and makes us proud.

”

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

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Most importantly, an elected official should believe in public service being a noble profession and they should be in it for that reason rather than personal enrichment.

”

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

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First, that I would always remember the seat for which I was elected belongs to the people of the district – not to the person who happens to be occupying it. Second, I believe I am a very reasonable, rational person who can reach compromise with a wide range of people. I have firm beliefs, but I am also very practical.

”

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

“

When our Congressional representatives fail to uphold their Constitutional duties to be a check and balance on the executive branch, it undermines the very fiber of our democracy. When protections for consumers, workers, and our environment are being discarded in the name of corporate profits, it is a threat to the well being of our nation. I will be a representative who is committed to the duty of serving my constituents and to supporting and defending the Constitution.

”

What legacy would you like to leave?

“

On matters of policy, I would like to be remembered as someone who did her best to support the solutions that I believed would do the most good for the people of Texas District 24, and of the nation, regardless of which "side" each political party took on any given issue. I also hope I helped rework the tax code to REALLY help middle class taxpayers, not just falsely claim it did.

”

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?

“

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was 10.

”

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

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I was a lifeguard at the public pools in my city for the three summers after my sophomore through senior years of high school.

”

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

“

While it may be beneficial, I do not believe it is a requirement. Many excellent representatives without previous experience have shown themselves to be energetic and effective. Women and minorities are frequently held back from opportunities because they are portrayed as less experienced than their white male counterparts. This must be avoided in order to achieve fair representation with diversity in our Congress.

”

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

“

With so many threats seemingly coming at our country from every direction, the selection of one as the greatest threat should in no way be taken as a discounting of the seriousness of all the others. That said, I would assert that perhaps our greatest threat is coming from within. When our Congressional representatives fail to uphold their Constitutional duties to be a check and balance on the executive branch, that undermines the very fiber of our democracy. When Congressional representatives are blocking investigations of meddling in our elections by an adversarial nation, that undermines our democracy. When our executive branch is deliberately dismantling our State Department, when we should be using all available diplomatic means to handle external threats, that represents an existential threat to our nation. When protections for consumers, workers, and our environment are being discarded in the name of corporate profits and the obliteration of a prior administration, that is a threat to the well being of our nation. When unqualified people are given lifetime judicial appointments, that puts our status as a nation of laws and justice in serious jeopardy. The answer to all these threats is a Congress that is committed to their duties to serve their constituents and to support and defend the Constitution. The "need" to court donors should not and cannot take precedence over the good of our nation and its people.

”

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

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As a CPA, I’d like to be on the ways and means, appropriations, and/or budgeting committees.

”

What are your thoughts on term limits?

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If gerrymandering were ended and out-of-control campaign finance laws could be reined in, I think that it would be best to let voters decide at the ballot box when it’s time to end a representative’s length of service. For a lawmaker doing a great job, it would be a shame for the calendar to dictate that he or she must stop.

”

What process do you favor for redistricting?

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I believe an independent committee of some kind should determine the districts. Both parties have been guilty of partisan redistricting that does not serve voters. In fact, my first choice would be that the independent committee from each state be required to select from a computer generated set of districts that meets the necessary criteria for being nonpartisan.

”

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Jan McDowell campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Texas District 32	Lost primary	$13,905	$16,531
2022	U.S. House Texas District 24	Lost general	$136,070	$133,445
2020	U.S. House Texas District 24	Lost primary	$82,637	$95,957
2018	U.S. House Texas District 24	Lost general	$108,608	N/A**
Grand total			$341,220	$245,932
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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U.S. House Texas District 32

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Footnotes

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Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Vacant

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (12)

Vacancies (1)