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.

Eugene A. Chappie
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1987
Preceded byHarold T. Johnson
Succeeded byWally Herger
Constituency1st district (1981–1983)
2nd district (1983–1987)
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 3rd district
In office
December 2, 1974 – December 1, 1980
Preceded byLeroy F. Greene
Succeeded byWally Herger
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 6th district
In office
December 7, 1964 – December 2, 1974
Preceded byPaul J. Lunardi
Succeeded byLeroy F. Greene
Personal details
Born(1920-03-28)March 28, 1920
Sacramento, California
DiedMay 31, 1992(1992-05-31) (aged 72)
Georgetown, California
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Paula Di Benedetto
(after 1941)
Children5
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Rank Captain
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War

Biography

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Chappie was born in Sacramento, California. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army.

Military service

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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

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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

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He retired in 1987 due to declining health and died on May 31, 1992.

Electoral history

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1980 United States House of Representatives elections[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Eugene A. Chappie 145,098 53.7
Democratic Harold T. Johnson (Incumbent) 107,682 39.8
Libertarian Jim McClarin 17,419 6.5
Total votes 270,199 100.0
Turnout  
Republican gain from Democratic
1982 United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2nd district[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Eugene A. Chappie (incumbent) 116,172 57.9
Democratic John Newmeyer 81,314 40.5
Peace and Freedom Howard Fegarsky 3,126 1.6
Total votes 200,612 100.0
Turnout  
Republican hold
1984 United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2nd district[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Eugene A. Chappie (incumbent) 158,679 69.5
Democratic Harry Cozad 69,793 30.5
Total votes 228,472 100.0
Turnout  
Republican hold

References

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  • United States Congress. "Eugene A. Chappie (id: C000322)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  • Join California Eugene A. Chappie
California Assembly
Preceded by California State Assemblyman, 6th District
1964–1974
Succeeded by
Preceded by California State Assemblyman, 3rd District
1974–1980
Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 1st congressional district

1981–1983
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 2nd congressional district

1983–1987
Succeeded by