He was also the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Virginia's 6th District congressional seat in 1998, losing to incumbent Republican Bob Goodlatte.

[2] Bowers attempted a comeback in the May 2, 2006, election for city council, but he finished in fifth place out of ten candidates in the race for three seats.

[4] In May 2012 Bowers gained a consecutive term as mayor by defeating Republican Mark Lucas 52% percent to 48%.

[5] Bowers ran for mayor in 2020 against Democratic incumbent Sherman Lea, Sr.

Bowers also called the city council and mayor unelected in reference to the fact that elections had been delayed six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.