 During the American Revolutionary War, Bowie served as captain and later major of a Prince George's County company.He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1780 to 1800 and served in the Maryland State Senate from 1800 to 1802.He was elected as a Republican to the 7th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Richard Sprigg, Jr., was reelected to the 8th United States Congress, and served from March 24, 1802 to March 3, 1805.