Eugene A. Chappie
Eugene Albert Chappie 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.