Representative Eugene A. Chappie

Eugene Albert Chappie (March 28, 1920 – May 31, 1992) was a United States Congressman from California who served three terms as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1981 and 1987. Over the course of a long career in public service that spanned local, state, and federal office, he represented a vast northern California district and participated actively in the legislative process on behalf of his constituents.

Chappie was born on March 28, 1920, in Sacramento, California. He was educated in local schools and, after graduating from high school, entered military service rather than immediately pursuing higher education or a civilian career. His early years in Sacramento and the surrounding region established the geographic and community ties that would later shape his political base in northern California.

Following his graduation from high school, Chappie joined the United States Army. During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater, where he rose to the rank of captain. After the war he returned to California and worked in agribusiness, gaining experience in an economic sector that was central to the rural and agricultural communities he would later represent. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he was called back to military service and again served in the United States Army. His second period of active duty further deepened his familiarity with military and veterans’ issues, which became an important part of his public profile. Chappie entered politics after his tour of duty ended in Korea.

Chappie’s political career began at the local level when he was elected an El Dorado County Supervisor in 1950. In that role he participated in county governance during a period of postwar growth and development in the Sierra Nevada foothills and surrounding areas. He held the position of county supervisor for more than a decade, building a reputation as a Republican officeholder and establishing a regional political base. In 1964 he was elected as a Republican to the California State Assembly, advancing from county to state office and extending his influence in California politics.

In 1980, Chappie sought federal office and ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives from a large, predominantly rural northern California district. In that election he defeated veteran Democratic incumbent Harold “Bizz” Johnson by almost 14 points, becoming the first Republican to represent the district since 1942. His victory was aided in part by the strong performance of Ronald Reagan, who easily carried the district in the presidential election that year. Chappie took office in January 1981 and served three consecutive terms, remaining in Congress until January 1987. As a member of the House of Representatives during a significant period in American history, he participated in the democratic process, contributed to the legislative work of the 97th, 98th, and 99th Congresses, and represented the interests of his northern California constituents on national issues.

A member of the Republican Party throughout his congressional tenure, Chappie’s service in Congress coincided with the early and mid-years of the Reagan administration, when debates over federal spending, defense policy, and regulatory reform were central to the national agenda. Within this context, he was part of the Republican majority in the House delegation from California and brought to his work the perspectives of a military veteran, agribusiness professional, and experienced state and local official. His legislative service from 1981 to 1987 marked the culmination of more than three decades in public life.

Chappie retired from Congress in 1987 due to declining health and did not seek re-election to a fourth term. After leaving office, he withdrew from active political life. He died on May 31, 1992, closing a career that had included service in two wars, county government, the California State Assembly, and the United States House of Representatives.