Biography:

Major Owens was born in Memphis, Tenn., and resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. He received a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College in 1956 and a master's degree from Atlanta University in 1957.

He was active in community affairs in the New York City area, serving as vice president of the Metropolitan Council on Housing in 1964 and community coordinator of the Brooklyn Public Library in 1965. He was executive director of the Brownsville Community Council in 1966.

He served as commissioner of the New York City Community Development Agency, 1968-73. He also served in the New York Senate, 1974-82, where he was a member of the Democratic leadership.

He was first elected to the U.S. House in 1982.

Owens and his wife, Maria, have five children.

Past Campaigns:

Major Owens was elected to the U.S. House in 1982 with 91 percent of the vote over Republican David Katan. He was re-elected to four consecutive terms, facing no Republican opposition in 1990.

In 1992, he defeated independent candidate Michael Gaffney with 95 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 1994 with 89 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Gary Popkin. In 1996, Owens was re-elected with 92 percent of the vote against Republican Claudette Hayle. He was re-elected in 1998, defeating Republican David Greene with 90 percent of the vote.

Owens narrowly defeated New York City Councilwoman Una Clarke in the 2000 Democratic Primary with 54 percent of the vote then rolled over Republican Susan Cleary with 88 percent of the vote in the general election.

He defeated Cleary again in 2002 with 86 percent of the vote.

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