John Coghill

Representing Fairbanks & North Pole

Member News more >

Media Outlet

Senator John Coghill

Is the PFD a Constitutional Right?

Should the dividend be enshrined in the constitution? Not in my view. Should we elevate the right to a cash payment from our sovereign wealth to the same level as freedom of speech or the right to keep and bear arms? I think that would be a huge mistake. Full Story >>

Media Outlet

Senator John Coghill

Criminal Justice Reform Unfairly Attacked

The bill reduces spending on things that the research shows don’t reduce crime, and reinvests $85 million of those savings over the next six years into things that are proven to reduce crime. Full Story >>

Media Outlet

Senator John Coghill

Alaska crime bill debate reveals values...

Sometimes the Legislature works. That’s what’s happening in the tough, detailed debate on a bill that would transform the criminal justice system. Full Story >>

Personal Profile

John Coghill

District B, Republican

Date/Place of Birth

August 15, 1950, Fairbanks, Alaska

Residency

Nenana: 1950 – 1975
Fairbanks: 1975 – present

Family

Wife – Luann
Children – Shaun (John), Joshua, Jayme
Grandchildren – Alexander, Grace, Joshua, Kinley, Creed, Elliot, and Leighton

Education

Nenana Public School: 1955 – 1968, High School Diploma

Military

5 years service
U.S. Air Force, S.Sgt

Legislative Experience

Alaska State House of Representatives:Majority Leader: 2003 – 2006
Chair, House Rules Committee: 2007 – 2009
Chair, House State Affairs Committee: 2001 – 2002
Co-Chair, Joint Armed Services Committee Member: 2005 – 2006
Co-Chair, Health, Education & Social Services Committee: 1999 – 2000
Vice-Chair, Special Committee on Military & Veterans’ Affairs: 1999 – 2000
AK Information Infrastructure Task Force: 2005 – 2006
House Judiciary Committee: 2001 – 2009
Legislative Council Joint Committee: 2003 – 2009
Local Government Advisory Commission: 2005 – 2006
Rules Committee: 2003 – present
State Affairs Committee: 2003 – 2004
Special Committee on Economic evelopment, International Trade, and Tourism: 2005 – 2006
Special Committee on Education: 2003
Special Committee on Fisheries: 2001 – 2002
Health, Education & Social Services Committee: 2001 – 2004
Finance Subcommittees:
- Governor: 2003 – 2006
- Health & Social Services: 2001 – 2006
- Legislature: 2003 – 2006
- Natural Resources: 1999 – 2006
- Education & Early Development: 2001 – 2002
- Education: 1999 – 2000
- Military & Veterans’ Affairs: 1999 – 2000
Alaska State Senate: Majority Leader 2013 to 2017
Minority Leader 2012
Vice-Chair Senate Rules 2013 to 2017
Senate Judiciary Committee member: 2010 to 2015, Chair 2015 to present
Senate Resources Committee member: 2010 to present, Vice Chair 2017 to present
Senate Education Committee member: 2017 to present
Senate State Affairs Committee member: 2013 to present
Senate Member of Select Committee on Legislative Ethics – 2010 to 2012, 2017 to present

Other Political and Government Positions

District 18 Republican Party of Alaska, Former Chair
District 32 Republican Party of Alaska, Former Chair
Delegate, Republican National Convention: 1996.

Business and Professional Positions

Small Business Owner
Private School Teacher
Pastor’s Assistant
Concrete Cutter

Special Interests

Family activities
Carpentry
History

Statement

I am a third-generation Alaskan. I was born in Fairbanks and raised in Nenana. During my first semester at UAF, I received my draft notice and enlisted in the Air Force. After I served five years in the Air Force, I went back home and worked with Dad at Nenana Fuel Co. After I met my wife Luann, we married and moved to Fairbanks. Together, we built our log cabin and raised our children. We are both very active in our faith. Through our church, I have served in jail ministries, worked as a biblical family counselor, taught adult classes to strengthen families, and served as the Pastor’s Administrative Assistant. I am a Constitutionalist and a Conservative Republican.

Juneau: 907.465.3719
Fairbanks: 907.451.2157