In November of 2006, Senator Dave Cogdill, of Modesto, was elected as the Representative of the 14th District to the California State Senate, garnering 67% of the vote. The 14th Senate District is comprised of all or a portion of the following counties: Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne.

Senator Cogdill serves as the chair of the Select Committee on Surplus Property and vice-chair of the Natural Resources and Water; Banking, Finance and Insurance; and Public Safety Committees. He is also a sitting member on the Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Additionally, he served as the Senate Republican Leader and Senate Minority Whip, a Republican leadership position responsible for coordinating Republican activities on the Senate Floor.

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Cogdill represented the 25th District for six years in the State Assembly. During that time, he served as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Rules. Dave also sat on the following committees: Budget, Agriculture, and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Additionally, Dave acted as the Assembly Minority Floor leader and was responsible for coordinating Republican efforts on the Assembly Floor. This high profile position is given to members that work well with legislators from both political parties.

Senator Cogdill has shown his commitment to the issues affecting the Central Valley and foothill communities, including economic development, strengthening public safety, keeping taxes low, improving air quality, and expanding water supply and storage opportunities. Dave has consistently acted to protect businesses and agriculture from over-taxation and over-regulation. As past Chair of the California State Legislature Rural Caucus, Dave has collaborated with local leaders on many issues concerning rural residents, such as access to health care and quality education.

Dave has received numerous awards for his public service, including:

• California Medal of Merit from the California National Guard
• Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers
• 2009 Legislator of the Year by The Associated General Contractors
• Legislator of the Year for 2009 by the Central Valley Education Coalition
• 2008 Outstanding Legislator by the Chief Probation Officers of California
• Special Recognition as an Outstanding Legislator by the California Sheriffs’ Association in 2008 and 2009
• 2008 Giant of the Industry Award by the California Retailers Association
• California Rifle and Pistol Association 2008 Outstanding Legislator
• Hometown Hero by the California Association of Future Farmers of America, Central Region
• Californian of the Year for 2007 by Outdoor Writers of California
• 2007 Senate Small Business Legislator of the Year by the California Small Business Association
• 2007 Legislator of the Year by Crime Victims United of California
• 2007 Mickey Conroy Legislator of the Year by the California State Commanders Veterans Council
• Golden Trout Award for 2006 by California Trout
• Legislator of the Year for 2005 by the Associated Builders and Contractors
• Legislator of the Year for 2003 and 2004 by the California Forestry Association
• Assembly Member of the Year for 2003 and 2005 by the California State Sheriffs’ Association
• Friend of the Year Award by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• President's Award by the Stanislaus County YMCA
• “One Voice” Award by the Sacramento/Fresno Council of Governments
• Legislative Leadership Award by the California Building Industry Association
• Leadership Award by the Greater Area Fresno Chamber of Commerce
• “E” Award for Excellence by Leadership Modesto, an affiliate of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce
• Champion of the California Merit Shop Movement by the Associated Builders and Contractors
• Patti Mattingly Distinguished Legislative Award by the Regional Council of Rural Counties
• Legislative Leadership Award by the California Rural Health Association
• Legislator of the Year by the California Mobilehome Parkowners’ Alliance
• Legislative Special Recognition Award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Legislator of the Year by the California Women in Timber Association
• Invasive Plant Policy Award by the California Invasive Plant Council
• Modesto Man of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign War
• Distinguished Service Award by the Future Farmers of America

Senator Dave Cogdill has been a resident of Modesto since 1979 where he built a prosperous real estate appraisal business. Always a believer in community involvement, Dave was first elected to public office in 1975 as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bridgeport Fire Protection District in Mono County. He has served on various boards and commissions in both the public and private sectors and served two terms on the Modesto City Council.

Dave was born December 31, 1950 in Long Beach, California. He and his wife, Stephanie, have been married since 1970 and have two children, David, Jr. and Meghan. They are the proud grandparents of Connor and Kathleen.