Senator John J. Benoit enjoyed a distinguished career in public service prior to representing the 64 th District in the California State Assembly from 2002-2008 and being elected to serve the residents of the 37 th District in the State Senate in November 2008.

A veteran of 31 years in law enforcement, John also served on the Desert Sands School Board and was actively involved in community service before his service in the State Legislature. Starting as a cadet with the Corona Police Department 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. John’s continuation of public service in the Senate will make him the only full-time law-enforcement veteran in the Legislature’s upper house.

John's legislative priorities have included budget reform, public safety, education and child care safety. His legislative successes in child care safety were 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 thirty-five pieces of legislation signed into law during his three terms in the Assembly. He has earned the distinction of Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the California School Boards Association, the School Transportation Coalition, the California Rifle and Pistol Association and the California Narcotics Officers’ 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 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.

Download – High-Resolution Portrait Photo of Senator Benoit