Joe Crowley

Joseph Crowley (born March 16, 1962) is an American politician and consultant who served as U.S. Representative from New York's 14th congressional district from 1999 to 2019. He was defeated by Democratic primary challenger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in what was viewed as one of the greatest upsets of the 2018 midterm elections.[1]

Joe Crowley
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 from New 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 the New York State Assembly from the 30th district
In office January 1, 1987 – December 31, 1998
Preceded by	Ralph Goldstein
Succeeded by	Margaret Markey
Personal details
Born	March 16, 1962 New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Kasey Nilson ​ (m. 1998)​
Children	3
Relatives	Elizabeth Crowley (cousin)
Education	Queens College (BA)

During his tenure, Crowley served as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus from 2017 to 2019, as well as the local chairman of the Queens County Democratic Party from 2006 to 2019. He previously served in the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 1998.[2][3] After leaving Congress, he joined the Washington, D.C., lobbying and law firm Squire Patton Boggs.[4]

Early life and education

Crowley was born in Woodside, Queens, New York City, to Joseph F. Crowley Sr., an Irish American, and Eileen Crowley, who emigrated from County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Crowley Sr. served in the United States Army during the Korean War, later becoming a lawyer and a New 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 in Elmhurst, Queens.[10]

Crowley attended private Roman Catholic schools in the city, graduating from Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan in 1981. He graduated from Queens College in 1985 with a degree in political science and communications.[5][8][7][11]

Career

New York Assembly

He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 1998, sitting in the 187th, 188th, 189th, 190th, 191st and 192nd New York State Legislatures. Because of his Irish roots, he quickly became involved in Irish-American politics throughout New York.[12][13]

U.S. House of Representatives

Crowley greeting President Bill Clinton in 1999

Crowley with Vice President Al Gore in 1999

Democratic Congressman Thomas J. Manton retired from the Congress in 1999, 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 wasn't aware of this until Manton phoned him to tell him his name would be on the general election ballot.[14]

Prior to redistricting 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 of Castle 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 represented New York's 14th congressional district, which includes the eastern Bronx and part of north-central Queens. The Queens portion includes the neighborhoods of Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona and Woodside. The Bronx portion of the district includes the neighborhoods of Morris Park, Parkchester, Pelham Bay, and Throgs Neck as well as City Island.

On June 26, 2018, Crowley was defeated in the Democratic primary by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[15][16]

Committee assignments

• Committee on Ways and Means
  • Subcommittee on Social Security
  • Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures

Caucus memberships

• Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, Co-Chair[17]
• Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, Co-Chair
• Congressional Musicians Caucus, Founder and Chair
• Bangladesh Caucus, Founder and Chair
• Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, former co-chair
• Animal Protection Caucus
• Congressional Arts Caucus
• Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus
• Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
• Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus
• National Service Caucus
• Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus[18]

Tenure

Crowley served as Democratic Caucus Chairman of the United States House of Representatives, the fourth highest leadership position in the House Democratic Caucus.

Crowley's cousin, New York City firefighter John Moran, was killed as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Crowley authored a bill that provided the 9/11 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.[19]

Crowley, who has spent much time in India, created a Bangladesh caucus and was formerly the chair of the India Caucus.[20]

Crowley with Nancy Pelosi and Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in September 2016

On October 10, 2002, Crowley was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.[21]

Crowley joined Bronx Representative José E. Serrano in 2008 in proposing legislation to help clean up PCB-contaminated schools.[22]

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.[23][24]

Crowley was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998. The seat was considered open after incumbent Thomas J. Manton retired.

In the June 26, 2018, Democratic primary for New York's 14th congressional district, Crowley was defeated by challenger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who received 57% of the vote, in what was seen as a massive upset.[25][26] Crowley remained on the general election ballot under the Working Families Party line. Ocasio-Cortez called on Crowley to take his name off the ballot, but he responded that he could not unless he moved, died, was convicted of a felony, or filed to run for another office in November as a paper candidate (which he claimed would be a form of electoral fraud).[27] Ocasio-Cortez defeated Crowley and Republican Anthony Pappas in the November 6 general election, with Crowley receiving about 7% of the vote.[28]

In February 2019, Crowley resigned as Chair of the Queens Democratic Party and signed on to the lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs.[29] June Bunch was selected to serve as Chair on an interim basis.[30][31] Crowley also became honorary co-chair of the Pass USMCA Coalition, an umbrella organization working to pass USMCA, the Trump administration's replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement.[32][33]

In May 2019, Crowley joined the board of Northern Swan Holdings Inc., an investment firm focused on hemp and marijuana cultivation in Colombia, along with former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.[34]

Political positions

Abortion

Since 2005, Crowley consistently received ratings of 100% from NARAL[35] and 0% from the National Right to Life Committee.[36] In 2011, he opposed a bill that would have banned taxpayer funding for abortions, and in the 2010 election he was endorsed by Planned Parenthood. In 2018, Crowley received a voting record of 100% from Planned Parenthood.[37]

Health care

Since 2007, he received a rating of 100% from the American Public Health Association, American Nurses Association, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition.[38]

Crowley fought against the practice of Female 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.[39]

In 2015, he proposed a bill with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee encouraging the collection of data on the prevalence of FGM and create a plan to better prevent the practice, which is illegal in the United States.[40]

Crowley was a consistent supporter of the 2010 Patient 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."[41] He opposed repealing the act and voted against a repeal on January 19, 2011.[42] Also in 2011 he held an event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the bill's passage.[43]

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.[44]

Immigration

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 end DACA 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.[45]

Economy and budget

Crowley speaking at the 2018 Tax March

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."[46] 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.[47]

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."[48] He also applauded the 2009 Budget for ending the Alternative Minimum Tax, and ensuring tax cuts for 23 million middle class Americans.[49] In 2011, he opposed a bill that appropriated funds to the defense budget.[50]

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."[51]

Other positions

Crowley, Nancy Pelosi and Mark Warner meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi, January 26, 2015

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.[52]

Crowley had a 2016 score of 95% from the League of Conservation Voters.[53]

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.[54] Crowley spoke out against President Trump's effort to eliminate the position of United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland.[55] Trump eventually reversed this decision.[56] Crowley was named Irish-American of the year by the Irish Echo in 2018.[57]

Crowley voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.[58]

In January 2017, Crowley voted for a House resolution condemning the UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which called Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories a flagrant violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace.[59]

Personal life

Crowley is married to Kasey Crowley, a registered nurse.[60] They have three children: Cullen, Kenzie, and Liam.[61] He is the cousin of former New York City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.[62]

Electoral history

US House election, 2012: New York District 14 [63]

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
	Democratic hold

US House election, 2014: New York District 14[64]

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
	Democratic hold

U.S. House election, 2016: New York District 14[65]

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%
	Democratic hold

Democratic primary results

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

New York's 14th congressional district, 2018

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
	Democratic hold

See also

• 1998 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2000 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2002 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2004 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2006 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2008 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2010 New York's 7th congressional district election
• 2012 New York's 14th congressional district election
• 2014 New York's 14th congressional district election
• 2016 New York's 14th congressional district election
• 2018 New York's 14th congressional district election

References

1. Goldmacher, Shane (June 27, 2018). "An Upset in the Making: Why Joe Crowley Never Saw Defeat Coming". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
2. "CROWLEY, Joseph". House of Representatives.
3. Rahman, Rema (September 8, 2016). "Decades-Old House Democratic Leadership Likely to Remain Intact". Roll Call. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
4. "Crowley, Shuster join Squire Patton Boggs". POLITICO. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
5. Sheridan, Dick; Finnegan, Michael (July 23, 1998). "Pol & Protege Irk Dem: Manton Blasted for Last-Minute Nod to Crowley". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
6. Cooney, Betty M. (January 4, 2001). "Father Of Congressman Crowley Is Laid To Rest In The New Year". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
7. Congress (U S ) Joint Committee on Print (May 15, 2014). Official Congressional Directory 113th Congress, 2013-2014: 113th Congress. Government Printing Office. p. 184. GGKEY:XU2KP1LKCL7. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
8. Hicks, Jonathan P. (July 26, 1998). "Racing to Prepare for a Political Race". The New York Times. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
9. "WALTER H. CROWLEY, 53, DIES; A COUNCILMAN FROM QUEENS". The New York Times. September 25, 1985. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
10. "Crowley Playground". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
11. "Joseph Crowley (D)". The Washington Post. 2004. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
12. "Crowley Votes". The U.S. Congress Votes Database. Washington Post. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
13. Kane, Paul (December 21, 2011). "Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.)". Who Runs Gov. Washington Post. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
14. "Many Foes May Struggle To Replace Rangel". The New York Sun. August 4, 2006. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
15. "A 28-year-old Democratic Socialist just ousted a powerful, 10-term congressman in New York". CNN.
16. "A top House Democrat just lost his primary — to a socialist". Vox. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
17. "Committees and Caucuses | Congressman Joseph Crowley". crowley.house.gov. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
18. "Members". Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
19. "Crowley spoke from the heart for first responders". Irish Echo. July 27, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
20. Kane, Paul (December 21, 2011). "Joseph Crowley (D - NY)". Washington Post. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
21. "H.J.Res. 114 (107th): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution ... (On Passage of the Bill)". GovTrack.us. October 10, 2002. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
22. Egbert, Bill. Reps. Joseph Crowley and Jose Serrano urge federal aid for PCB cleanup. Daily News. June 5, 2008.
23. "Rep. Joe Crowley 'Speechless' Speech on the House Floor". ABC. April 14, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
24. "Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley Gives Speechless Performance Art Presentation On House Floor". Mediaite. April 15, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
25. Arkin, James; Bland, Scott (June 26, 2018). "Top Democrat Crowley loses in shocker". Politico. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
26. Weigel, David (June 27, 2018). "Rep. Joe Crowley defeated by challenger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez". Washington Post. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
27. "Joe Crowley Is Either Still Running Against Ocasio-Cortez Or A Victim Of NY's Bewildering Election Laws". July 12, 2018. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
28. "New York Election Results: 14th House District". The New York Times. November 17, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
29. Crowley and Shuster head to K Street, 02/19/2019, Politico
30. Slattery, Denis (February 19, 2019). "Ex-congressman Joe Crowley resigns as Queens Democratic Party chair after loss to Ocasio-Cortez: 'It's time to move on'". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
31. Calder, Rich (February 19, 2019). "Joe Crowley resigns as chair of Queens Democratic Party after stunning loss to AOC". New York Post. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
32. "Former Congressman Joe Crowley Joins Pass USMCA Coalition". MarketWatch. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
33. Mali, Meghashyam (February 21, 2019). "Crowley joins coalition to pass Trump's new NAFTA". TheHill. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
34. Giammona, Craig (May 20, 2019). "Joe Crowley Joins Cannabis Board After Primary Loss to Ocasio-Cortez". Bloomberg News. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
35. "Federal Government - NARAL Pro-Choice America". NARAL Pro-Choice America. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
36. "National Right to Life | The nation's oldest & largest pro-life organization". www.nrlc.org. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
37. "Congressional Scorecard". www.plannedparenthoodaction.org. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
38. "Joe Crowley's Ratings and Endorsements - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
39. "Joe Crowley writes anti female circumcision bill | Sunnyside Post". Sunnyside Post. June 5, 2010. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
40. Marcos, Cristina (February 9, 2015). "Bill calls for strategy against female genital mutilation". TheHill. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
41. "Reconciliation Act Of 2010 - Public Statements - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. March 22, 2010. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
42. "HR 2 - Repealing the Health Care Bill - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
43. "Congressman Crowley Marks One-Year Anniversary of Health Care Law with Event at Queens Senior Center - Public Statements - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. March 23, 2011. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
44. John, Conyers (March 7, 2018). "Cosponsors - H.R.676 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Act". www.congress.gov. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
45. Ferré-Sadurní, Luis (July 9, 2017). "Bill Would Give Green Cards to Undocumented 9/11 Volunteers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
46. "Economy and Jobs | Congressman Joseph Crowley". Crowley.house.gov. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
47. "HR 1424 - Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
48. "Ways And Means Democrates Introduce Senate-Passed Tax Cut Bill". waysandmeans.house.gov. July 30, 2012.
49. "Crowley Applauds House Passage 2009 Federal Budget - Public Statements - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. March 13, 2008. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
50. "HR 1363 - 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations - Key Vote - Project Vote Smart". Votesmart.org. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
51. "'Hell No!': NY Dem, NY Republican Trade Heated Remarks Over Tax Bill". Fox News Insider. December 19, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
52. "Chairman Crowley Announces Legislation to Provide Rent Relief for Working Families | Congressman Joseph Crowley". crowley.house.gov. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
53. "All Member of Congress Scores". League of Conservation Voters Scorecard. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
54. "Crowley's Work on Ireland | Congressman Joseph Crowley". crowley.house.gov. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
55. "Chairman Crowley Statement on Special Envoy to the North of Ireland | Congressman Joseph Crowley". crowley.house.gov. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
56. "Trump will not end Northern Ireland envoy, congressman says". The Irish Times. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
57. "Congressman Joe Crowley is Echo Irish American of the Year for 2018". Irish Echo. January 10, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
58. "H.J.Res. 114 (107th): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against ... -- House Vote #455 -- Oct 10, 2002". GovTrack.us.
59. "House votes to rebuke UN on Israeli settlement resolution". The Hill. January 5, 2017.
60. "About Joe | Joe Crowley for Congress".
61. "RollCall.com - Member Profile - Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y." data.rollcall.com. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
62. "Crowley concedes to Holden in Queens City Council race". am New York. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
63. United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 2012: "NYS Board of Elections Rep. in Congress Election Returns Nov 6, 2012" (PDF, 192 kB). New York Board of Elections. March 20, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
64. "NYS Board of Elections". NYS Board of Elections. November 4, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
65. From United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 2016: "New York State Official Election Night Results" (PDF, 475 kB). New York Board of Elections. December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

External links

• Joe Crowley at Curlie
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
• Appearances on C-SPAN