Gary Knopp facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary Knopp
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 30th district
In office January 17, 2017 – July 31, 2020
Preceded by	Kurt Olson
Succeeded by	Ron Gillham
Member of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, District 1
In office December 1, 2015 – January 3, 2017
Preceded by	Kelly Wolf
Succeeded by	Brent Hibbert
In office December 1, 2006 – December 1, 2012
Preceded by	Dan Chay
Succeeded by	Kelly Wolf
Personal details
Born	Gary Allan Knopp July 14, 1957 Whitefish, Montana
Died	July 31, 2020(2020-07-31) (aged 63) Soldotna, Alaska
Political party	Republican

Gary Allan Knopp (born July 14, 1957 – died July 31, 2020) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party and served in the Alaska House of Representatives for the 30th district.

Early Life

Gary Knopp was born in Whitefish, Montana, on July 14, 1957. He moved to Alaska in 1979.

Political Career

Gary Knopp began his political career in Alaska. In 2006, he was elected to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. He served on the Assembly until 2012. During this time, he was also the Assembly president for two years.

After leaving the Assembly, he tried to run for the state house but was not successful. However, he was elected to the Assembly again in 2015. In 2016, he successfully ran for a seat in the Alaska House of Representatives.

Serving in the Alaska House of Representatives

Knopp left the Assembly on January 3, 2017. Later that month, he officially became a representative in the Alaska House.

In December 2018, Knopp decided to leave the Republican group (called a "caucus") in the House. He wanted to work with both Republicans and Democrats to form a "bipartisan coalition." This means a group made of members from two different political parties working together.

Because of his role in forming this group with members of the Alaska Democratic Party, the Alaska Republican Party State Central Committee officially criticized him in May 2019. This is called being "censured."

During his time in the Alaska House, Knopp worked on many important committees. From 2017 to 2019, he was part of committees like Administration, University of Alaska, and Revenue. From 2019 to 2020, he was the chairman (leader) of the Natural Resources and Labor and Workforce Development committees. He also served on the Finance committee.

Personal Life

Gary Knopp was married to Helen. He passed away on July 31, 2020. This happened when his private plane, a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, was involved in a mid-air collision. The accident occurred near Soldotna, Alaska. Another plane, a De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, was also involved. All six people on the other plane also died in the crash.

See also

In Spanish: Gary Knopp para niños