Pete Knight

Wm. J. "Pete" Knight was elected to the California State Senate in 1996. He previously served four years in the State Assembly and eight years on the Palmdale City Council as both Councilman and the city's first popularly elected Mayor. Currently, Senator Knight serves on the Senate Rules, Education, Revenue and Taxation, Governmental Organization Committees and is Vice-Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee. He also chairs the Space Flight Industries Subcommittee of the Senate Defense Conversion, Retention and Space Flight Industries Select Committee.

Senator Knight is recognized for his "open door" policy. He makes every effort to meet with anyone who wants to speak with him. He reads every constituent's letter and returns every phone call.

A strong conservative, Senator Knight is known for his pro-family, pro-job creation and anti-tax voting record. His legislative priorities include reducing the size and cost of government and improving our education system through higher standards, more parental involvement and increased local control. He has also introduced legislation to reduce government regulations, spur economic growth, and protect Second Amendment and private property rights.

Knight was born in Noblesville, Indiana on November 18, 1929. He attended Butler and Purdue Universities and entered the Aviation Cadet Program in 1952. He graduated from the Experimental Test Pilot School in 1958 and the Aerospace Research Pilot School in 1964.

Knight has chaired the Air Force Flight Test Historical Foundation, served as vice president of the fighter enhancement program for Eidetics International, and is past president and a fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Pete has 3 sons and 4 stepchildren. Pete and his wife Gail live in Palmdale and together they share 15 grandchildren.

Senator Knight has received many awards and honors, including:

• 100% Pro-Taxpayer Voting Record - California Taxpayers Association
• 100% Pro-Jobs Voting Record - California Chamber of Commerce
• Taxfighter Award - National Tax Limitation Committee
• Distinguished Citizenship Award - Palmdale Elks Lodge #2027
• Lifetime Achievement Award - Palmdale Education Foundation
• Legislative Achievement Award - Law Enforcement Alliance of America
• Defender of Freedom Award - National Rifle Association
• Recognition of Outstanding Contribution - California Pilots Association