Biography

Edolphus “Ed” Towns, a former social worker and community activist in Brooklyn, New York, is a 14-term veteran in the House.He is the current chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, whose legislative jurisdiction is over federal procurement, civil service, management and information policy.

Towns represents the 10th Congressional District of New York, encompassing the neighborhoods of East New York, Canarsie, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Cypress Hills, Clinton Hill, Mill Basin, Midwood, downtown Brooklyn, Boreum Hill, as well as parts of Fort Greene and Williamsburg. This area brings together Brooklyn's diverse populace, including black, white, Hispanic, Caribbean, and Jewish residents.

Since being elected to office in 1983, his priorities have always been those of central importance to the constituents he serves. He has been a champion for adequate public healthcare, improving the nation’s healthcare all around, equal access to technology and quality public education.

Entering politics through his dedicated work in various civic associations, Rep. Towns has the distinction of being the first African American to serve as Deputy Brooklyn Borough President. Congressman Towns and his son, Darryl, a New York State Assemblyman, are the first African-American father-son team to serve simultaneously in New York public office. An ordained Baptist minister, Towns is married to Gwendolyn (Forbes) Towns, and the couple has two children, Darryl and Deidra, and five grandchildren.