By: Carl Schwartzbaum

In a development that has set off political shockwaves and rekindled controversy surrounding one of the most polarizing figures in recent New York politics, former Congressman Jamaal Bowman is reportedly being considered for the post of New York City Schools Chancellor—should Zohran Mamdani secure victory in the city’s upcoming mayoral race.

According to a report that appeared on Thursday in The New York Post, sources close to the Mamdani campaign and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) have confirmed that Bowman’s name is circulating as a potential appointee to lead the nation’s largest public school system. The system currently serves more than 900,000 students across nearly 1,600 schools, and any appointment to its helm carries immense political and educational significance.

Bowman, a former Bronx middle school principal and once-rising progressive star in the Democratic Party, was ousted from his congressional seat last year after losing the Democratic primary to former Westchester County Executive George Latimer. The defeat, widely seen as a repudiation of Bowman’s increasingly strident anti-Israel rhetoric, was also driven by a series of personal and political missteps that alienated moderate and even some progressive voters.

Among those controversies was Bowman’s now-infamous fire alarm incident in September 2023, when he pulled an alarm in the Cannon House Office Building ahead of a critical House vote to avoid a government shutdown. Though he claimed confusion, Bowman later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, paid a $1,000 fine, and was censured by the House of Representatives. The episode drew national headlines and remains a defining moment of his brief but turbulent congressional career.

His potential elevation to schools chancellor has sparked immediate criticism. Speaking to The New York Post, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, was unequivocal: “We wouldn’t accept the appointment of a racist. Why would we consider a person who has expressed hateful rhetoric against the Jewish people?”

Before entering Congress, Bowman served as principal of Cornerstone Academy for Social Action in the Bronx. There, his educational philosophy leaned heavily toward progressive, and at times, inflammatory rhetoric. As The New York Post reported in 2015, Bowman likened standardized testing to “modern-day slavery”, arguing in a blog post that tests were tools designed to “destroy the mind, body and soul of black and brown people.”

His critics also point to a decision made during his tenure as principal to include convicted cop-killer and fugitive Assata Shakur on a school “Wall of Honor.” Shakur, who was convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster and later fled to Cuba, remains a wanted figure in U.S. law enforcement circles. The inclusion of her name in a school tribute sparked outrage at the time, and continues to resurface in discussions of Bowman’s past.

Pressed by The New York Post on whether he was actively seeking or considering the chancellorship, Bowman deflected. “I am not thinking about any of that. I want to help my brother get elected,” he said, referring to Mamdani. “I am exceptional in compartmentalizing. Right now, I want to help Zohran win the general election.”

Bowman was among the few prominent Black leaders to endorse Mamdani during the Democratic primary, lending progressive credibility to a campaign seen by many as radical even within New York City’s liberal landscape. Mamdani, who won a hotly contested primary last week, has positioned himself as the frontrunner for mayor in a city that overwhelmingly leans Democratic—but his platform and associations are raising concerns across the political spectrum.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist from Queens, has been sharply criticized for his vocal support of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel, as well as his refusal to disavow the incendiary slogan “globalize the intifada.” Despite efforts to court Jewish community leaders and publicly pledge to fight antisemitism if elected, many remain skeptical of his intentions.

As The New York Post report highlighted, Mamdani has yet to publicly confirm or deny whether Bowman is under serious consideration for the chancellor position. The campaign declined to comment when contacted.

Should Mamdani win the general election, he will face a formidable task in building a citywide coalition capable of governing a city as diverse and complex as New York. Despite his primary victory, Mamdani will contend in November against several high-profile candidates. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent after opting out of the Democratic primary, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo and attorney Jim Walden have also secured ballot positions. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa rounds out the field.

Meanwhile, Bowman’s possible ascent within a Mamdani administration could become a flashpoint issue in the general election campaign—especially in communities concerned about the politicization of education, law enforcement, and Middle East policy.

As The New York Post report observed, Mamdani’s vision for a progressive overhaul of city government may resonate with some—but the specter of Jamaal Bowman’s potential return to power could galvanize opposition just as readily.

For now, the former congressman insists he is focused solely on electing his ally. But in the combustible arena of New York City politics, where symbolism and headlines often carry as much weight as policy, the idea of Chancellor Bowman may prove to be more than just a trial balloon.