Lora Reinbold

Lora H. Reinbold is a former American politician who served as a member of the Alaska State House from 2013 to 2019, representing District 14. A member of the Republican Party, she was known for her distinct political stance, particularly after being removed from the House majority caucus in 2015. Following her time in the House, she was elected to the Alaska State Senate, where she served from 2019 until her retirement in 2023. Throughout her legislative career, Reinbold was recognized for her independent approach and her vocal opposition to certain public health measures, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and career

Lora H. Reinbold was born on April 30, 1964, in Fairbanks, Alaska. When she was approximately five years old, her family relocated from Clear to Anchorage, where she spent her formative years. Reinbold completed her secondary education at East Anchorage High School, graduating in 1982. She pursued higher education at Oral Roberts University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1987. Additionally, she attended the University of Alaska Anchorage during two separate periods, in 1985 and again in 2001.

Before entering politics, Reinbold built a career in the healthcare sector. She worked as an operations manager at Medical Park Family Care, where she was responsible for overseeing daily operations and ensuring quality patient care. Her experience also included roles as an office manager at NME Hospitals, which is now known as Tenet Healthcare, and as a district manager for Bristol Myers Squibb. Furthermore, she served as a salesperson for Johnson & Johnson/Centecor Pharmaceuticals, where she engaged in promoting healthcare products.

Legislative service

Reinbold's political career began when she was elected to the Alaska State House in 2013, representing District 14. During her tenure in the House, which lasted until 2019, she completed three distinct terms. Her time in the legislature was marked by a significant event in March 2015, when she voted against an operating budget proposed by the House majority caucus. This vote was in violation of caucus rules, as she believed the budget did not implement sufficient cuts to the University of Alaska system. Following this dissent, the Republican leadership of the House removed her from the majority caucus and stripped her of most committee assignments, significantly reducing her staff from four to one.

Reinbold continued to express her opposition to the operating budget in April 2015, which contributed to her ongoing conflicts with the majority caucus. Her dissenting votes left the caucus short of the three-fourths majority needed to approve the use of Alaska's budget reserve to address a fiscal deficit. This period of her legislative service was characterized by her increasingly independent stance, which would later define her political identity.

In 2018, Reinbold was elected to the Alaska State Senate, representing the G district. She served in this capacity from 2019 until her retirement in 2023. Notably, from 2015 onward, she was the only member of the Alaska State Legislature who was not affiliated with any caucus organization, following her removal from the Republican-led majority caucus. This independence allowed her to pursue her legislative agenda without the constraints typically associated with party affiliation.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Reinbold was particularly vocal about her positions on various issues, with a notable focus on public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. She gained attention for her opposition to mask mandates and vaccine requirements, often expressing skepticism about their effectiveness. Reinbold frequently utilized social media to share her views, including promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin as treatments for COVID-19, which aligned with her broader opposition to pandemic-related health measures.

In November 2020, Reinbold faced significant controversy when she refused to comply with Alaska Airlines' mask policy during a flight. This incident led to her being banned from the airline, which cited her refusal to adhere to federal regulations requiring masks on flights. Following this ban, she sought alternative means of travel to legislative sessions, including overland travel through Canada and marine ferry services.

Reinbold's approach to public health issues extended to her interactions with state health officials and her role as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She held hearings that questioned the efficacy of masks and the implications of government emergency orders related to the pandemic. Despite recommendations from health officials advocating for mask-wearing and social distancing, Reinbold publicly criticized the state's pandemic response and the actions of the governor, particularly regarding disaster declarations and vaccination efforts.

In March 2021, Reinbold's refusal to wear a mask during legislative meetings resulted in her being escorted from the Capitol by security. Subsequently, she was banned from most areas of the Capitol until she complied with COVID-19 protocols. This culminated in her removal as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee by a significant vote from her peers, reflecting the growing tensions surrounding her legislative conduct.

Reinbold's tenure in the Alaska State Legislature was marked by her independent political stance, her confrontations with party leadership, and her controversial positions on public health measures. Her career reflects a unique chapter in Alaska's political landscape, characterized by her commitment to her beliefs and her willingness to challenge established norms within the legislative process.