Eugene A. Chappie

Eugene A. Chappie
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 2nd district
In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1987
Preceded by	Harold T. Johnson
Succeeded by	Wally Herger
Constituency	1st district (1981–1983) 2nd district (1983–1987)
Member of the California State Assembly from the 3rd district
In office December 2, 1974 – December 1, 1980
Preceded by	Leroy F. Greene
Succeeded by	Wally Herger
Member of the California State Assembly from the 6th district
In office December 7, 1964 – December 2, 1974
Preceded by	Paul J. Lunardi
Succeeded by	Leroy F. Greene
Personal details
Born	(1920-03-28)March 28, 1920 Sacramento, California
Died	May 31, 1992(1992-05-31) (aged 72) Georgetown, California
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Paula Di Benedetto ​ (after 1941)​
Children	5
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Rank	Captain
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War

Eugene Albert Chappie (March 28, 1920 – May 31, 1992) was a United States Congressman from California. He served three terms as a Republican between 1981 and 1987.

Biography

Chappie was born in Sacramento, California. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army.

Military service

Chappie was promoted to the rank of captain while serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He returned home to work in agribusiness before serving in the military again, this time during the Korean War.

Chappie entered politics after his tour of duty ended in Korea.

Political career

He became an El Dorado County Supervisor in 1950. Chappie held this position until his was elected as a Republican to the California State Assembly in 1964.

In 1980, he ran for Congress, and he won the first of three terms. In that election, Chappie beat veteran Democratic incumbent Harold "Bizz" Johnson by almost 14 points, becoming the first Republican to represent this vast northern California district since 1942. He was helped by Ronald Reagan easily carrying the district.

Retirement and death

He retired in 1987 due to declining health and died on May 31, 1992.

Electoral history

1980 United States House of Representatives elections[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Eugene A. Chappie	145,098	53.7
	Democratic	Harold T. Johnson (Incumbent)	107,682	39.8
	Libertarian	Jim McClarin	17,419	6.5
Total votes			270,199	100.0
Turnout
	Republican gain from Democratic

1982 United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2nd district[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Eugene A. Chappie (incumbent)	116,172	57.9
	Democratic	John Newmeyer	81,314	40.5
	Peace and Freedom	Howard Fegarsky	3,126	1.6
Total votes			200,612	100.0
Turnout
	Republican hold

1984 United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2nd district[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Eugene A. Chappie (incumbent)	158,679	69.5
	Democratic	Harry Cozad	69,793	30.5
Total votes			228,472	100.0
Turnout
	Republican hold

References

1. 1980 election results
2. 1982 election results
3. 1984 election results

External links

• United States Congress. "Eugene A. Chappie (id: C000322)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Join California Eugene A. Chappie

California Assembly
Preceded by Paul J. Lunardi	California State Assemblyman, 6th District 1964–1974	Succeeded by Leroy F. Greene
Preceded by Leroy F. Greene	California State Assemblyman, 3rd District 1974–1980	Succeeded by Wally Herger
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Harold T. Johnson	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 1st congressional district 1981–1983	Succeeded by Douglas H. Bosco
Preceded by Donald H. Clausen	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 2nd congressional district 1983–1987	Succeeded by Wally Herger