Prior to serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, McDowell was a member of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners for 22 years.

He graduated from Rudyard High School in 1970 and attended Lake Superior State University.

[4] In 2002, he ran for Michigan's 107th House District, challenging incumbent Republican Scott Shackleton.

Democratic incumbent Bart Stupak had announced his retirement, leaving this an open seat.

[15] McDowell lost his bid to defeat Benishek for a second straight election, losing to the freshman incumbent by less than 2,000 votes of over 347,000 that were cast.

[citation needed] They have three daughters, Alivia, Emily and Rochelle, two grandsons, Garrett and Bruin, and one granddaughter, Shiloh.