 In 1975, Cowin became a partner at Friedman & Atherton, LLP.On May 25, 1978, Cowin and gubernatorial candidate Francis W. Hatch, Jr. announced Cowin's candidacy for lieutenant governor as Hatch's running mate.On September 19, 1978 he defeated State Representative Peter McDowell in the Republican Primary 128,914 votes to 86,250.