| John Koontz | |
| Office: | 11th Secretary of State of Nevada |
| Term Start: | 1947 |
| Term End: | 1973 |
| Predecessor: | Malcolm McEachin |
| Successor: | William D. Swackhamer |
| State Assembly1: | New York |
| Birth Date: | 19 October 1902 |
| Birth Place: | Goldfield, Nevada |
| Party: | Democratic |
John Koontz (October 19, 1902 – March 21, 1995) was an American politician who served as the Secretary of State of Nevada from 1947 to 1973.[1] [2] He was the longest-serving politician to hold this office, winning 7 successive elections.[3] During his tenure, he established state archives and preserved all the valuable records.[2]
Koontz was born on October 19, 1906, in Goldfield, Nevada, to Louis Kossuth and Ada Mae Koontz. He worked as a miner, a cowpuncher, and a grocery store clerk.[4] He entered politics in 1934 when he was elected county recorder of Esmeralda County.
From 1958 to 1959, Koontz served as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. He worked as a campaign manager for Mary Gojack and Harry Reid.[5]
In 1973, he resigned from the office.[2]
Koontz died on March 21, 1995.