James E. Bromwell

Who was James E. Bromwell?

James Edward Bromwell was a two-term Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa's 2nd congressional district. He was elected in 1960, re-elected in 1962, and defeated in 1964.

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bromwell attended Andrew Johnson Elementary School in Southeast Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1938. He then enrolled at the University of Iowa and received his undergraduate degree in 1942.

Further schooling was interrupted by World War II. He entered the United States Army as a private, and was assigned to work in the European theater for the Headquarters Information and Education Division, which was a part of the Morale Department of the former Department of War. Bromwell served four years, and was discharged as a captain.

Bromwell then resumed his studies, earning admission to the Harvard Business School and graduating in 1947. He returned to the University of Iowa, graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1950. He was admitted to the bar and began practice in Cedar Rapids.

In 1960, Bromwell ran as a Republican against one-term incumbent Democratic Congressman Leonard G. Wolf, defeating him as part of a good year for Republicans in Iowa. He won re-election in 1962, defeating Frank W. Less.