Eugene A. Chappie Explained

Eugene A. Chappie
State1:California
Constituency1: (1981–1983)
(1983–1987)
Term Start1:January 3, 1981
Term End1:January 3, 1987
Predecessor1:Harold T. Johnson
Successor1:Wally Herger
State Assembly2:California
District2:3rd
Term Start2:December 2, 1974
Term End2:December 1, 1980
Predecessor2:Leroy F. Greene
Successor2:Wally Herger
State Assembly3:California
District3:6th
Term Start3:December 7, 1964
Term End3:December 2, 1974
Predecessor3:Paul J. Lunardi
Successor3:Leroy F. Greene
Birth Date:28 March 1920
Birth Place:Sacramento, California
Death Place:Georgetown, California
Party:Republican
Children:5
Allegiance: United States
Battles:World War II
Korean War
Rank: Captain

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.

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