Florida Democratic Politician Found Dead, Husband Arrested

Nancy Metayer Bowen, a rising political star, was set to announce a run for Congress before her tragic death.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:36am

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Nancy Metayer Bowen, a Democratic politician and vice mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, was found dead in her home on Wednesday. Police have arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, in connection with her death, which is being investigated as a domestic violence incident. Bowen was preparing to announce her candidacy for a seat in Congress.

Why it matters

Bowen's death is a tragic loss for the Democratic party in Florida, as she was seen as a rising political star poised to run for higher office. Her murder also highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence, which disproportionately affects women in positions of power and leadership.

The details

Police were called to Bowen's home for a wellness check on Wednesday morning, where they found her dead body. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been taken into custody, and authorities say there are no other suspects. Bowen was elected as the first Black and Haitian American woman commissioner of Coral Springs in 2020 and was serving her second term as vice mayor at the time of her death.

  • On Wednesday morning, police responded to a wellness check at Bowen's home.
  • Bowen was scheduled to announce her candidacy for a Congressional seat on Thursday.

The players

Nancy Metayer Bowen

A Democratic politician and the vice mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, who was preparing to run for Congress before her tragic death.

Stephen Bowen

The husband of Nancy Metayer Bowen, who has been arrested in connection with her death.

Jared Moskowitz

A Florida state representative who confirmed that Bowen was about to announce her candidacy for Congress.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The current Congressional representative whose seat Bowen was planning to run for, who was recently indicted for allegedly funneling disaster relief funds to her campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Nancy was about to announce she was running for Congress ... and the Miami Herald reports the announcement was scheduled for Thursday.”

— Jared Moskowitz, Florida State Representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether or not to allow Stephen Bowen to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence, even among those in positions of power and leadership. It also underscores the need for greater support and protection for women in politics, who face unique challenges and threats.