John Benoit (R)
Assemblyman John J. Benoit enjoyed a distinguished career in public service prior to being elected to the California State Assembly in 2002. He represents the 64th Assembly District including: Riverside, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Murrieta, Temecula, Anza, Idyllwild, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage.
A veteran of 31 years in law enforcement, John also served on the Desert Sands School Board and was actively involved in community service prior to his election to the Assembly. Starting as a cadet with the Corona Police in 1971, he joined the California Highway Patrol in 1973, working in L.A., Sacramento and Bakersfield before being assigned as the Indio Area Commander in 1988. He also attended the FBI National Academy and served as a Volunteer Fire Captain with the Sunset-Whitney Fire Department.
As Insurance Committee Vice-Chair, John actively championed the 2003 workers’ compensation reforms. He is the senior Republican on the Assembly Rules Committee and a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, serving on two sub-committees – Transportation and Health. A member of Republican Caucus leadership since his first term, he currently serves as Chief Republican Whip.
John’s Assembly priorities have included transportation infrastructure, public safety, education and child care safety. His legislative successes in child care safety were recently featured on “The Montel Williams Show”, a nationally syndicated talk show. A strong fiscal conservative, John is nevertheless known for his ability to reach effectively across the aisle, a talent that has allowed him to have 26 pieces of legislation signed during his first two terms. He was named the 2003 Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the California School Boards Association and recently received the same recognition by the California Rifle and Pistol Association.
A member and past president of both the United Way of the Desert and Indio Rotary, John’s hobbies include recreational reading and taking to the skies as a commercial, instrument rated pilot.
John earned a BS degree in Public Safety at Cal State Los Angeles, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Cal State San Bernardino. Having participated in language immersion programs in Mexico and Costa Rica, he frequently communicates Republican Caucus principles to the Spanish-language media.
John and his wife Sheryl married in 1978. They are committed parishioners of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. They have a daughter Sarah and son Benjamin, who together with his wife Norma, have blessed them with their granddaughter, Abrielle Benoit.
