Career
His current term began on July 1, 2008. He previously served as mayor of the city from 1992 to 2000. A Democrat, he was elected mayor after serving on the city council.
Bowers is a lawyer who has continued to serve in private practice both during and after his term as mayor.
He was also the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Virginia"s 6th District congressional seat in 1998, losing to incumbent Republican Bob Goodlatte. Bowers attempted a comeback in the May 2, 2006, election for city council, but he finished in fifth place out of ten candidates in the race for three seats.
Bowers ran for mayor of Roanoke as an independent against the incumbent, Democrat Nelson Harris, in the May 2008 municipal election. In May 2012 Bowers gained a consecutive term as mayor by defeating Republican Mark Lucas 52% percent to 48%.
In November 2015, Bowers spoke out against the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Roanoke, citing as positive precedent the internment of Japanese Americans during World World War II, 2/3 of whom were American citizens, an event for which the American government formally apologized and provided reparations as part of the Civil Liberties Acting of 1988.
Bowers"s comment prompted a social media backlash and calls for his resignation.
