Hollis French

Hollis French is a former American politician, attorney, and businessman who served as a member of the Alaska State Senate from 2003 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, French held the position of minority leader during his final year in office. His legislative career included efforts to address various social issues, including a notable attempt to challenge the state's same-sex marriage ban. In addition to his political endeavors, French has a background in law and business, having operated an apartment rental business with his wife. Following his departure from the Senate, he continued his public service by being appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Early life and career

Hollis French was born on October 11, 1958. He moved to Alaska in 1978, where he began his career in the oil industry. His first job in this sector was as a bullcook on Shell Platform "A" in Cook Inlet, which he started in 1979. French later worked for ARCO Alaska in the Kuparuk Oilfield, where he served as a facility and drill site operator. During this time, he pursued his education at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, earning a bachelor's degree in English.

After completing his undergraduate studies, French attended Cornell University Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. His legal career included a position as an assistant district attorney, which provided him with valuable experience in the legal system prior to his entry into politics. French's familial background includes his father, Bob French, who has served as a county commissioner in Summit County, Colorado. In addition to his professional pursuits, French is an accomplished climber, having reached the summit of Denali twice.

Legislative service

Hollis French's tenure in the Alaska State Senate spanned from 2003 until 2015, during which he represented Alaska State Senate District J. Over the course of his legislative career, he served two distinct terms and held the position of minority leader from January 2014 until the conclusion of his service. French's legislative work included a focus on various social issues, most notably his authorship of a bill aimed at overturning Alaska's same-sex marriage ban. Although this bill did not succeed, it highlighted his commitment to addressing civil rights within the state.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, French was involved in significant investigations during his time in office. Notably, in 2008, he was appointed by the Legislative Council to lead an inquiry into allegations that Governor Sarah Palin had misused her office to facilitate the firing of the state's public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan. This investigation, often referred to as "Troopergate," garnered considerable media attention and underscored the complexities of governance in Alaska.

French's political ambitions extended beyond the state Senate. In 2009, he announced his candidacy for the governorship of Alaska, filing a letter of intent with the Alaska Public Offices Commission. He participated in the 2010 Democratic primary, where he received a significant number of votes but ultimately lost to former state representative Ethan Berkowitz.

In 2014, French initially sought the Democratic nomination for governor again but later shifted his focus to the lieutenant governor position. He successfully secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. In a strategic move, the Democratic nominee for governor, Byron Mallott, merged his campaign with that of independent candidate Bill Walker. This collaboration led to a unified ticket that ultimately defeated the incumbent Republican governor, Sean Parnell.

Policy focus and district

During his time in the Alaska State Senate, Hollis French's policy focus encompassed a range of issues pertinent to the residents of his district and the state as a whole. His legislative efforts were marked by a commitment to civil rights, as evidenced by his attempt to challenge the state's same-sex marriage ban. This initiative reflected a broader trend within the Democratic Party to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

French's district, Alaska State Senate District J, is characterized by its diverse population and unique challenges. As a representative, he addressed the needs and concerns of his constituents, engaging with various community stakeholders to understand the issues facing the region. His background in law and business provided him with a multifaceted perspective on the legislative process, allowing him to navigate complex policy discussions effectively.

In addition to his legislative work, French's appointment to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in July 2016 marked a continuation of his public service. This role allowed him to contribute to the regulation and oversight of Alaska's vital oil and gas industry, which plays a significant role in the state's economy.

Throughout his career, Hollis French has demonstrated a commitment to public service and community engagement. His experiences in the oil industry, law, and politics have shaped his approach to governance and policy-making. As a former state legislator, he remains a notable figure in Alaska's political landscape, with a legacy that reflects his dedication to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the state.