Charles Holden Cowles (July 16, 1875 – October 2, 1957) was a North Carolina Republican politician who served one term in the United States House of Representatives.

He was the son of Calvin J. Cowles, a prominent Republican who was the son-in-law of William W.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Cowles moved to Wilkesboro at a young age.

He worked as a deputy clerk for the federal court at Statesville and then as secretary for Congressman Edmond S. Blackburn before being elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives (1904–1908).

[2] In 1908, Cowles was elected to the 61st United States Congress as a Republican.