# Steve Fowler

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{{Short description|American politician}}
{{use mdy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Steve Fowler
| office = Member of the [Nebraska Legislature](/source/Nebraska_Legislature) from the 27th district
| term_start = January 3, 1973
| term_end = May 27, 1983
| predecessor = [William Swanson](/source/William_Swanson_(Nebraska_politician))
| successor = [Bill Harris](/source/Bill_Harris_(Nebraska_politician))
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1950|8|8}}
| birth_place = [Lincoln, Nebraska](/source/Lincoln%2C_Nebraska)
| education = [University of Nebraska–Lincoln](/source/University_of_Nebraska%E2%80%93Lincoln) (B.A.)
| party = [Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States))
| spouse = Vickie Horton
| occupation = Policy analyst, campaign strategist
}}

'''Steve Fowler''' (born August 8, 1950) is a [Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) politician and policy analyst who served as a member of the [Nebraska Legislature](/source/Nebraska_Legislature) from the 27th district from 1973 to 1983.

==Early life==
Fowler was born in [Lincoln, Nebraska](/source/Lincoln%2C_Nebraska), in 1950, and attended the [University of Nebraska High School](/source/University_of_Nebraska_High_School), graduating from [Lincoln East High School](/source/Lincoln_East_High_School) in 1968.<ref name="blue book">{{cite book|title=Nebraska Blue Book 1982-1983|publisher=Nebraska Legislative Council|date=1983|url=https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/l3000/D001-198283.pdf|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> He attended the [University of Nebraska–Lincoln](/source/University_of_Nebraska%E2%80%93Lincoln), serving as student body president in 1971 and 1972.<ref name="blue book"/>

==Nebraska Legislature==
In 1972, Fowler ran against incumbent State Senator [William Swanson](/source/William_Swanson_(Nebraska_politician)) in the Lincoln-based 27th district.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fowler Seeks Seat in 27th|newspaper=[Lincoln Evening Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=March 6, 1972|location=|page=8|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195327084/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> In the nonpartisan primary, Fowler faced Peterson, former [State Railway Commissioner](/source/Nebraska_Public_Service_Commission) Richard Larson, life insurance agent R. Stanley Sorensen, and activist Hubert Wisnieski.<ref>{{cite news|title=Who's Who in the Primary|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=April 30, 1972|location=|page=35|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/195327379/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> Swanson placed first in the primary, winning 33 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election against Fowler, who placed second with 26 percent.<ref name="1972 results">{{cite book|title=Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 9, 1972, General Election, November 7, 1972|last=Beermann|first=Allen J.|publisher=Nebraska Secretary of State|year=1972|url=https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/S1200/S001-1972prim_gen.pdf|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Propp|first=Len|title=One Senator Has Trouble In Primary|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=May 10, 1972|location=|page=45|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/195327424/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> The race between the two was expected to be close,<ref>{{cite news|title=Student, Youth Votes Could Decide Several Nebraska Races in November|newspaper=[Lincoln Evening Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=August 2, 1972|location=|page=23|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-evening-journal/195327567/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> and Fowler ultimately defeated Swanson with 51 percent of the vote,<ref name="1972 results"/> becoming the youngest person elected to the legislature in state history.<ref>{{cite news|title=Youngest Legislator Lists Victory Plusses|newspaper=[Lincoln Evening Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=November 9, 1972|location=|page=13|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195327732/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

Fowler ran for re-election in 1976, and was challenged by attorney [Don Stenberg](/source/Don_Stenberg) and former Education Commissioner Cecil Stanley.<ref>{{cite news|last=Howard|first=Edward|title=Senators Reveal Election Plans|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=January 22, 1976|location=|page=35|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/194375689/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Newhouse|first=Nancy|title=Diverse Candidates for a Diverse District|newspaper=[Lincoln Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=May 4, 1976|location=|page=22|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195328022/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> Fowler placed first in the primary by a wide margin, winning 54 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election against Stenberg, who won 23 percent of the vote and narrowly defeated Stanley for second place.<ref name="1976 results">{{cite book|title=Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 11, 1976, General Election, November 2, 1976|last=Beermann|first=Allen J.|publisher=Nebraska Secretary of State|year=1976|url=https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/S1200/S001-1976prim_gen.pdf|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Newhouse|first=Nancy|title=Fowler Faces Stenberg in 27th|newspaper=[Lincoln Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=May 12, 1976|location=|page=23|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195328101/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> Fowler defeated Stenberg, winning re-election 56–44 percent.<ref name="1976 results"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Lanswroth|first=Tom|title=Lancaster Voters Return Incumbents to Legislature|newspaper=[Lincoln Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=November 3, 1976|location=|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195328227/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

In 1980, Fowler ran for re-election to a third term, and was challenged by Jerry Sellentin, the director of human services at [Bryan  Memorial Hospital](/source/Bryan_Health).<ref>{{cite news|title=Sellentin is running for senator|newspaper=[Lincoln Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=January 28, 1980|location=|page=4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195328477/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> Sellentin placed first in the primary over Fowler, winning 54 percent of the vote to Fowler's 46 percent.<ref name="1980 results">{{cite book|title=Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 13, 1980, General Election, November 4, 1980|last=Beermann|first=Allen J.|publisher=Nebraska Secretary of State|year=1980|url=https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/S1200/S001-1980prim_gen.pdf|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Partsch|first=Frank|title=Two Legislators Get Early Scare|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=May 14, 1980|location=|page=12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/195164370/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> The race between Fowler and Sellentin was closely watched, and one of the most expensive in the state that year, with pro-life groups spending heavily against Fowler.<ref>{{cite news|last=Joyce|first=James|title=Pro-lifers' impact weaker|newspaper=[Lincoln Star](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=November 14, 1980|location=|page=1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star/195329005/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Partsch|first=Frank|title=Reagan Coattails Seen in Races|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=November 5, 1980|location=|page=37|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/192743424/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

Fowler narrowly defeated Sellentin, winning 52 percent of the vote to Sellentin's 48 percent.<ref name="1980 results"/> Though Fowler initially declined to concede, and considered requesting a recount as the votes canvassed,<ref>{{cite news|last=Cook|first=Tom|title=Re-count brings Sellentin 39 votes closer to Fowler|newspaper=[Lincoln Journal](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=November 6, 1980|location=|page=21|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/195328831/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> but he ultimately declined to do so, and conceded defeat.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sellentin concedes legislative seat to Fowler|newspaper=[Lincoln Star](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=November 8, 1980|location=|page=5|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star/195329143/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

==Post-legislative career==
On May 27, 1983, Fowler resigned from the legislature to serve as the director of the Policy Research Office in Governor [Bob Kerrey](/source/Bob_Kerrey)'s administration.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kotok|first=C. David|title=Fowler Exits Legislature With Colleagues' Plaudits|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=May 26, 1983|location=|page=33|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/195326263/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska: Eighty-Eighth Legislature, First Session|editor-last1=O'Donnell|editor-first1=Patrick J.|year=1983|page=2556–57|volume=1|url=https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/88/PDF/Journal/r1journal_book.pdf|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> He resigned from the Kerrey administration 1985 to serve as [Omaha Mayor](/source/List_of_mayors_of_Omaha%2C_Nebraska) [Mike Boyle](/source/Mike_Boyle)'s campaign manager in his successful re-election campaign.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerrey accepts Steve Fowler's resignation|newspaper=[Lincoln Star](/source/Lincoln_Journal_Star)|date=December 13, 1984|location=|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star/195326604/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kotok|first=C. David|title=Boyle, Krejci: City's Direction Now At Stake|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=May 12, 1985|location=|page=1-B, 8-B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/195326674/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

Fowler and his wife moved to [California](/source/California), in 1985,<ref>{{cite news|last=Barrette|first=John|title=Fowler Launching Career in New State|newspaper=[Omaha World-Herald](/source/Omaha_World-Herald)|date=July 20, 1985|location=|page=19|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald/195326753/|via=[Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> where he worked as a campaign consultant and established FowlerHoffman LLC, a political consulting firm.<ref>{{cite web|title=About|website=FowlerHoffman LLC|url=https://www.fowlerhoffman.info/about/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250713134411/https://www.fowlerhoffman.info/about/|archive-date=July 13, 2025|access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fowler, Steve}}
Category:1950 births
Category:Living people
Category:Nebraska state senators
Category:People from Lincoln, Nebraska
Category:University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumni
Category:Nebraska Democrats
Category:20th-century members of the Nebraska Legislature

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Steve Fowler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Fowler) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Fowler?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.