John McCoy (American politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McCoy
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| Member of the Washington Senate from the 38th district |
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| In office November 27, 2013 – April 17, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Nick Harper |
| Succeeded by | June Robinson |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 38th district |
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| In office January 13, 2003 – November 27, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Aaron Reardon |
| Succeeded by | June Robinson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Richard McCoy
October 29, 1943 Tulalip, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | June 2023 (aged 79) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Janet Jean "Jeannie" McCoy |
| Residence | Tulalip, Washington |
| Alma mater | El Capitan High School |
| Profession | Quil Ceda Village General manager White House Computer technician |
| Website | Official: http://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/mccoy/ |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1961 – 1981 (20 years) |
John Richard McCoy (October 29, 1943 – June 2023) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington. McCoy belonged to the Democratic Party. He served in the government of Washington state.
In 2013, he became a State Senator. He represented the 38th Legislative District. Before that, he was a member of the Washington House of Representatives. He served there for over 10 years.
John McCoy was the only self-identified Native American in the state senate. He was one of two Native Americans in the state legislature in 2013. His passing was announced in June 2023.
John McCoy's Early Life and Career
John McCoy was born into a Tulalip Tribes family. This happened on their reservation. He went to schools in his local area.
He spent 20 years serving in the United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1981. After that, he worked as a computer technician. He even worked at the White House for a time. Later, he started a career in private business.
McCoy became very active in tribal matters. He worked as the general manager of Quil Ceda Village. This was a new town started by the tribe in 2001. It included a casino and a business park. In 2005, the tribe also opened a large shopping center. These projects helped the tribe's economy. They also created many new jobs.
John McCoy's Political Journey
John McCoy joined the Democratic Party. He became very involved in politics. In 2002, he ran for state representative. He won the election. He served as a representative from 2003 to 2013. He was re-elected several times during this period.
During his fifth term, McCoy helped pass an important bill. This bill created a way for the state to give up control. It allowed federal and tribal governments to handle legal matters. This applied to criminal and civil cases on tribal lands.
In 2013, he led the Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs Committee. He was also vice chairman of the Environment Committee. Plus, he was a member of the Education Committee.
McCoy also led a national group. This group was called the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators. There are 79 Native American lawmakers in 18 states.
On November 27, 2013, McCoy was chosen to fill a vacant Senate seat. Senator Nick Harper had resigned. McCoy was the top choice among local Democratic leaders. He retired from the State Senate on April 17, 2020. He stepped down due to health reasons. June Robinson took his place.
Awards and Special Honors
John McCoy received the "Sizzle" Award in 2009 from Fuse. He also earned the "Strong Man Award." This award was for defending a clean energy plan. The plan was called Initiative-937. He helped stop major changes to this plan. He brought lawmakers from both sides together. They worked out a good solution for everyone.
