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Senator Lesil McGuire grew up with those she now represents in the Legislature. With this life-long perspective, she truly understands the concerns of the people in District N in Southwest Anchorage, Alaska.
Senator McGuire graduated from Willamette University with an undergraduate degree in Speech Communication and Political Science. Following her undergraduate studies, Senator McGuire went on to work in Washington D.C. for two years as a legislative and press aide for United States Senator Ted Stevens. She subsequently obtained her Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law while clerking in the United States Attorney's Office in Oregon. Her law degree was put to use when she came back to Alaska and worked for the firm of Birch, Horton, Bittner & Cherot.
Throughout her life, Senator McGuire has always sought out opportunities. She studied abroad in Russia, Greece, China, and twice in Spain. Senator McGuire has been able to translate the lessons and experiences she had abroad into assets for her own community. She has always made volunteerism a central part of her life serving various community programs such as the American Diabetes Association, the Bush Elementary
School Mentor Program, Habitat for Humanity, the Salem Women's Crisis Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, Commonwealth North, Covenant House, the Alaska Republican Women's Club, the Young Republicans, and is a Board Member of the Alaska Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Board.
Senator McGuire began her work in the Alaska State Legislature as the counsel for the House Judiciary Committee. In this capacity she cultivated her knowledge of the legislative process and a proficiency to work therein. When the seat in her district opened up, she took advantage of the opportunity to help her community in a unique way and decided to run for the Alaska State House. At age 29 she was elected by an overwhelming 64% of her district. In 2006, she was elected to the Senate, once again winning her election by a large margin, earning 66% of the votes. Having been elected as the voice of her community, Senator McGuire takes this responsibility very seriously. She has worked diligently for nearly 10 years to make Alaska a better place for all to enjoy.
Senator McGuire currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Energy Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Resources Committee. Senator McGuire actively continues to expand her involvement in national legislative leadership organizations as well. She was honored to be selected for such prestigious recognitions as the President of Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) and past Chair of the Council of State Governments-WEST. She is an alumnae of CSG-West's Western Legislative Academy and the Henry Toll Fellowship with the Council of State Governments. |
