Legislative District 3

 

Home City: Fountain Hills

Occupation: Retired

Member Since: 2007

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2025 Committees: 

• Appropriations - Chair

• Judiciary & Elections - Vice Chair

• Government

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John Kavanagh is an over 30-year resident of District 3, which covers half of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a bit of North Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, and New River. John and his wife, former Mayor Linda Kavanagh of Fountain Hills, have been married for 49 years and have two sons, Jonathan, and Nicholas. John is a professor of criminal justice at Scottsdale Community College and teaches at A.S.U. Prior to teaching college, John served 20 years as a police officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, retiring as a detective sergeant.

John's dedication to public service is evident in his political career. He served six years as a town councilman in Fountain Hills and three years on the Lafayette, New Jersey Town Council. He is in his 19th year in the Arizona legislature, having served in the House and Senate, often as chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee. He was also Senate President Pro Tempore.

John was awarded a BA in Liberal Arts from NYU, a Master’s Degree in Government from St. John's University (Queens, NY), and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Rutgers. He is also a military veteran.

John's commitment to community service is reflected in his involvement in various government boards and community organizations. He has served on a Parks and Recreation Commission, Board of Health, School District Advisory Panel, Planning Advisory Group, and Senior Services Board of Directors. His dedication to the community extends beyond these roles, as he has also volunteered for the Community Center, the American Legion, the Civic Association, the Historical Society, and the Friends of the Chamber of Commerce. His diverse involvement demonstrates his ability to work with different groups and his commitment to the well-being of the community.

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