Session:

House Member

Personal Information:
Home City: Sierra Vista
Occupation: State Representative
Member Since: 2009
David Gowan was first elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2009. He resides in Sierra Vista in Legislative District 14, which encompasses all of Cochise County, all of Greenlee County, all of Graham County except for the Indian reservation, and the Eastside of Pima County (Rosemont area, Corona, Vail, Rita Ranch, and the surrounding mountains of East Tucson).

Representative Gowan was honored to be elected by the Republican Caucus to serve as the Speaker of the House. The prior two years he served as the House Majority Leader and was appointed to serve on Rules, the Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility Committee and the Technology and Infrastructure Committee. His statutory committee assignments included: Legislative Council, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, and the Joint Committee on Capital Review.

During his time at the legislature, Representative Gowan has been extremely successful in passing legislation. Much of his focus has been aimed at making Arizona the most veteran friendly state within the union. He has previously helped secure funding for the Southern Arizona’s Veteran’s Home that is now being built in Tucson. Most recently, he orchestrated a monumental military benefits package, which among other things, makes Arizona campuses more veteran supportive, helps disabled veterans navigate bureaucracy when obtaining special license plates, and encourages government contracts for veteran-owned businesses.

He has also been instrumental in enacting legislation on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, including securing for them accessible recreational areas (Rose Canyon Lake), creating a special license plate with proceeds benefitting the organization, and championing a law in 2010 to make the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America officially recognizable by the state of Arizona.

In recognition of his efforts, Representative Gowan has received several awards and recognitions while serving at the House of Representatives. Most recently, he was given the Legislative Friend Award for dedication to strong, effective local government in Arizona by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Also, he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Defense, signed by Robert L. Gordan, III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, “for his leadership on public policy changes positively impacting the quality of life of Service members and their families residing in Arizona, during the 2011 Legislative Session.” Other awards and recognitions include:
  • NRA (National Rifle Association) A+ rating
  • Arizona Citizen’s Defense League (AzCDL) Legislator of the Year (2012)
  • Spirit of Business Award from the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for his “work passing legislation that impacts the region in a positive manner and promotes a strong local economy.” (2012)
  • Friend of the Family recognition from the Arizona Family Project (2012) (2013)
  • Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business for “having worked effectively to protect and preserve the future of free enterprise and small business." (2011)
  • U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute for “outstanding contributions to the United States Army and support of Soldiers fighting the Global War on Terrorism.” (2011)
  • Award of Sincere Appreciation from the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground for “year-round support of the Yuma Proving Ground and America’s men and women in uniform.” (2011)
  • Seven Seals Award from the United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for “meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve.” (2010)
  • Certificate of Appreciation from the Boy Scouts of America – Grand Canyon Council, for “exemplary work in preparation and execution of the 100th Anniversary Celebration.” (2010)
  • Certificate of Appreciation from the Arizona Hemophilia Association for help in “enhancing the quality of life in the hemophilia community through education, awareness, and social service.” (2009)
The Representative is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona, holding a B.A. in Secondary Education/Social Studies. He has been married to his wife Jessica for 18 years, and they have two sons. Originally hailing from Northern California, they have lived in Arizona since 1993. When he is not busy with legislative business, David enjoys being active at his local church and in his son’s Boy Scouts, where he acts as the Chairman of Troop 408. Representative Gowan has become very engaged in his local educational community where he sits on the Board for Veritas Christian Community School. He is a member of the Sierra Vista ELKS Lodge #2065, and is also a committed martial artist, and is the Chairman of Tai Shin Ki Do Martial Arts System founded by Hanshi Barnes.

Growing up, Representative Gowan learned his core values from his father, Jim, who is himself a military Veteran. And, that is why he now feels very blessed to be serving the ones who protect us everyday abroad and at home. In his own words, “We ought to be a hub…a shiny beacon of light for all veterans in Arizona. May God bless and protect those who defend and protect us and our freedoms every day! And, to them, I say thank you.”

Sponsored Bills

Bill NumberSponsor TypeShort/NOW Title
HB2064Pgraduation requirement; civics test
HB2120P*cosmetology board; director; licensing renewal
HB2670P*international operations centers
HB2671PZ*general appropriations; 2015-2016
HCR2033P*Cochise college; fiftieth anniversary.
HCR2039Cdeath resolution; Bill Badger
HR2003P*Arizona business operators; recognition
HR2005Pdeath resolution; Officer Tyler Stewart
SCR1010PSenator Chester Crandell; death resolution
SCR1019Pcommending Israel
SCR1020PMayor John Driggs; death resolution