Lora Reinbold

Lora H. Reinbold is a former American politician who served as a member of the Alaska State Senate, representing District G. A member of the Republican Party, she held office from 2019 until her retirement in 2023. Prior to her tenure in the State Senate, Reinbold was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019, representing District 26. Throughout her legislative career, she was known for her independent stance, particularly after being removed from the Republican-led majority caucus in 2015. Reinbold's political career was marked by her strong opinions on various issues, including health care and COVID-19 policies.

Early life and career

Lora H. Reinbold was born on April 30, 1964, in Fairbanks, Alaska. At the age of five, her family relocated from Clear to Anchorage, where she spent her formative years. Reinbold graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1982, demonstrating an early commitment to her education. 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, furthering her academic credentials.

Before entering politics, Reinbold built a career in the health care sector. She served as an operations manager at Medical Park Family Care, where she gained experience in managing health care operations. Her professional background also includes 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 worked as a salesperson for Johnson & Johnson/Centecor Pharmaceuticals, which provided her with insights into the pharmaceutical industry and health care management.

Legislative service

Reinbold's political career began when she was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 2013, representing District 26. She served in this capacity until 2019, during which time she was involved in various legislative activities. In 2018, she successfully ran for a seat in the Alaska State Senate, representing District G. Her tenure in the Senate lasted from 2019 until her retirement in 2023.

During her time in the legislature, Reinbold was known for her independent approach to governance. In March 2015, she voted against an operating budget proposed by the House majority caucus, which led to her removal from the caucus. This decision stemmed from her belief that the budget did not implement sufficient cuts to the University of Alaska system and was not conservative enough. Following her dissenting vote, the Republican leadership of the House stripped her of most committee assignments and reduced her office staff significantly.

Reinbold continued to express her opposition to the operating budget in April 2015, further distancing herself from the majority caucus. Her actions during this period underscored her commitment to her principles, even at the cost of her standing within her party. Throughout her legislative career, she maintained a focus on fiscal conservatism and was vocal about her positions on budgetary matters.

Policy focus and district

Reinbold's policy focus during her time in the legislature included health care and fiscal responsibility. Her professional background in health care informed her legislative priorities, and she often engaged in discussions surrounding health care policies. However, her tenure was also marked by significant controversy, particularly regarding her stance on COVID-19.

In October 2021, Reinbold publicly announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19. Her approach to the pandemic was characterized by a strong opposition to mask mandates and vaccine requirements. She frequently utilized social media to express her views, promoting alternative treatments and questioning the effectiveness of masks. Her refusal to comply with Alaska Airlines' mask policy led to a ban from the airline, which she publicly criticized. This incident highlighted her contentious relationship with public health measures during the pandemic.

Reinbold's actions in the legislature also included combative exchanges with health officials and a focus on questioning the necessity of COVID-19 restrictions. As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, she held hearings that drew attention to her skepticism regarding mask mandates and government emergency orders. Despite the recommendations of health officials, she maintained a critical stance toward the state's pandemic response.

In March 2021, her refusal to wear a mask during a Senate subcommittee meeting resulted in her being escorted from the Capitol by security personnel. This incident led to her removal as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee by a significant vote. Her actions and the subsequent fallout underscored the polarization surrounding COVID-19 policies and highlighted her unique position within the legislature as a lawmaker who operated outside of the traditional party caucus structure.

Reinbold's legislative career concluded in 2023 when she retired from the Alaska State Senate. Her time in office was marked by a commitment to her principles, a focus on health care issues, and a distinctive approach to governance that often placed her at odds with both her party and public health authorities.