McGowan worked in the fire service[1] before joining the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
[2] In 1985, he was elected in Mid Tyrone, and in 1989, he moved to represent Omagh Town.
[3] McGowan was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1996, representing West Tyrone.
McGowan stood as an "Independent Community Candidate" at the 1998 Northern Ireland Assembly election, but did not come close to taking a seat.
[5] He is the Chairman of Omagh Safer Streets,[6] holds an MBE and is a Justice of the Peace.