Introduction
Charles Michael "Mike" Chenault (born February 25, 1957) is an American politician in the state of Alaska. Chenault has served as a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives since 2001, representing portions of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, where he has lived for most of his life. Chenault has served as the body's speaker from 2009 to 2017. For the current 30th Alaska Legislature, he lost reelection to the position to democrat Bryce Edgmon.
Early life
Charles Michael Chenault was born in Hobbs, New Mexico on February 25, 1957. He moved to the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska with his family as a child. Chenault graduated from Kenai Central High School in 1975.
Chenault began a career in construction. He was vice-president of the Qwick Construction Company when he entered politics. His professional experience led to a tenure as president of the North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Political career
In 2000, Mike Chenault ran as a Republican candidate for the Alaska House of Representatives from the Kenai Peninsula-based 9th district, defeating one-term Democratic incumbent and former schoolteacher Harold "Hal" Smalley. He has been reelected mostly with little difficulty.
He was elected Speaker of the Alaska House for the 26th Alaska State Legislature. He is a member of several committees, including the Rules Committee, the Legislative Council, and is an alternate for the Labor & Commerce Committee. He also sits on Finance subcommittees for Government, Transportation, and the Legislature.
In the current 30th Legislature, Chenault is in his ninth term in the House. He served four terms as House Speaker, becoming the longest-serving holder of that office. He currently represents Alaska's 29th House District, which encompasses most of the eastern Kenai Peninsula, stretching from Nikiski to Seward and the area in between.
Personal life
Mike Chenault is married to Tanna. They have four children: a son, Brandon, and three daughters; Elisha, Shanda and Miranda.