Cathy Giessel

Cathy Giessel is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Alaska State Senate, representing District E. A member of the Republican Party, she has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Majority Leader of the Alaska Senate since 2023. Giessel's political career began in 2010 when she was first elected to the Senate, and she has since been involved in numerous legislative initiatives and committee assignments. Her background in nursing and healthcare consulting has informed her approach to policy, particularly in health and social services.

Early life and career

Cathy Giessel was born Catherine Andrea Bohms on November 9, 1951, in Fairbanks, Alaska. She is the eldest of four children born to Gerald Johnson "Jerry" Bohms and Ruth Odelia Bohms (née Bauer). Jerry Bohms moved to Alaska in the late 1940s and worked for Wien Alaska Airlines, while Ruth Bohms pursued a career in law, earning a degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. Ruth was admitted to practice law in Alaska and before the United States Supreme Court, and she also ran for a seat in the Alaska House of Representatives in 1992 as a candidate for the Alaskan Independence Party.

Giessel completed her secondary education at Lathrop High School in Fairbanks before attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. In 1974, she relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, where she began her career as an advanced nurse practitioner. Over the years, she worked in various healthcare settings, including clinics in Anchorage and the North Slope Borough. Giessel continued her education and obtained a master's degree in nursing from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2000. Her professional contributions to the field of nursing have been recognized, including being named an 'exceptional leader' by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

In addition to her clinical work, Giessel has been actively involved in healthcare policy and governance. She served on the Alaska Board of Nursing for several years, including a term as chairperson, and participated in the Alaska Healthcare Strategy Planning Council. Her extensive experience in healthcare has provided her with insights into the challenges and opportunities within the state's health system.

Giessel's political career began in earnest when she joined the campaign team for Sean Parnell during his 2008 Republican primary race against incumbent Congressman Don Young. Parnell later became governor of Alaska, and Giessel's involvement in his campaign marked the beginning of her active participation in state politics.

Legislative service

Cathy Giessel was first elected to the Alaska State Senate in 2010, representing District N, which included parts of Anchorage and surrounding communities. She was part of a wave of candidates who aligned with Tea Party values, advocating for limited government and fiscal responsibility. Following redistricting, she ran for a new Senate seat in 2012 and successfully won the election, defeating her opponents in both the Republican primary and the general election.

Throughout her tenure, Giessel has been involved in several significant elections. In 2014, she faced a Democratic challenger, Harry Crawford Jr., and won re-election with a substantial margin. Her campaign focused on natural resource development, economic diversification, and education reform. The fiscal challenges facing Alaska, particularly due to fluctuating oil prices, became central themes in her legislative priorities.

In 2016, Giessel was again re-elected, this time facing independent candidate Vince Beltrami in a highly competitive race. The election was notable for its high costs and intense campaigning. Giessel emerged victorious, reinforcing her position as a prominent figure in the Alaska Senate.

During her time in the Senate, Giessel has held various leadership roles and committee assignments. She has served as the chair of the Resources Committee and has been involved in multiple other committees, including Health and Social Services, Education, and Legislative Budget and Audit. Her leadership was further recognized when she was elected president of the Alaska Senate in 2018, a role she held until 2021. In 2023, she returned to the Senate, representing the newly configured District E and was elected as the Senate Majority Leader, overseeing a coalition of both Republicans and Democrats.

Policy focus and district

Cathy Giessel's policy focus has consistently centered on issues related to natural resources, economic development, and education. Her advocacy for natural resource development reflects her belief in the importance of Alaska's vast natural assets for economic growth and sustainability. Giessel has supported initiatives aimed at promoting the responsible development of oil, gas, and other natural resources, recognizing their critical role in the state's economy.

In addition to resource development, Giessel has emphasized the need for diversified economic strategies to address Alaska's fiscal challenges. She has advocated for a comprehensive approach to budgeting that includes reducing state spending and implementing reforms to costly programs. Her commitment to education is evident in her support for school choice options for parents of K-12 students, aiming to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for children in Alaska.

Giessel's district, which encompasses parts of Anchorage and surrounding areas, has diverse needs and priorities. As a legislator, she has sought to represent the interests of her constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance. Her leadership roles and committee assignments have positioned her to influence key legislative decisions that impact both her district and the state as a whole.

Overall, Cathy Giessel's career in the Alaska State Senate is marked by her dedication to public service, her background in healthcare, and her focus on policies that aim to strengthen Alaska's economy and improve the quality of life for its residents. As she continues her legislative work, her experience and leadership will play a significant role in shaping the future of her district and the state of Alaska.