Frank Chopp
 |
Frank Chopp | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 43rd district | |
| In office 1995 to date | |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Nancy Long |
| Residence | Wallingford, Washington |
| Alma mater | University of Washington |
| Profession | Community Organizer |
Frank Chopp is a Democratic member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 43rd district since 1995. He is the current Speaker of the House. His district covers the neighborhoods of Fremont, Wallingford, the University District and Madison Park, all in Seattle.
Born in Bremerton, Washington, Chopp was the longtime executive director of the Fremont Public Association (now known as Solid Ground), and later served as President of the organization. Since 2006, he has served as a Senior Advisor to Solid Ground. In building housing, Solid Ground depends on a working relationship with the King County chapter of the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), a construction lobbying organization.
Chopp was first elected to the House in 1994, and has been Speaker of the House since 2002. From 1999-2002, he served as Co-Speaker of the House, as the Democrats and Republicans had equal numbers of members. Prior to the tie, he served as the House Democratic Leader from 1997-1999.
Chopp led the House Democratic Caucus in a successful effort to retake the majority after losing nearly thirty seats in the 1994 election. In his first term as Democratic Leader, he led the Democrats from the minority into a tie, and then three years later, into the majority. Since retaking the majority by one vote in 2001, Chopp has presided over a steady increase of the Democratic majority, which stood at 61 members to 37 in 2009.
While still in high school in Bremerton, Chopp led a protest against the local Elks Club's refusal to allow black members. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1975, and while in college organized efforts to preserve low income housing in Seattle. He is married with two children.
Legislative priorities
Security - "We all have the right to feel safe at home, work, school and in our communities."
Opportunity - "We must continue our investments in education, provide job retraining to get people back to work, and improve government services to create and expand a competitive climate that is friendly to both workers and business."
Transportation - "Dealing with traffic congestion, moving products to and from markets faster and more efficiently, and improving highway safety will create thousands of new jobs and build upon Washington’s economic strength."
External links
- Rep. Frank Chopp official campaign website
- Washington State Legislature - Rep. Frank Chopp official WA House website
- Project Vote Smart - Representative Frank V. Chopp (WA) profile
- Follow the Money - Frank Chopp
- Chopp melds strategy, clout as he leads battle for House , Seattle Times July 23, 2006
- Viaduct surface option eyed , Seattle Times February 7, 2007