John Kavanagh is a Republican Arizona State Senator representing Legislative District 3, which includes half of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, parts of North Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, and New River. A retired resident of Fountain Hills with over 30 years in the district, he has served in the Arizona Legislature since 2007, currently in his 19th year. He holds key leadership roles as Senate Majority Leader, Vice Chair of the Judiciary & Elections Committee, and member of the Appropriations and Government committees. Previously, he served as Senate President Pro Tempore and often chaired the Appropriations Committee. A 20-year police veteran and military veteran, Kavanagh has been married to former Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh for 49 years; they have two sons, Jonathan and Nicholas. His notable community service includes roles on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Board of Health, School District Advisory Panel, Planning Advisory Group, and Senior Services Board, plus volunteering with the Community Center, American Legion, Civic Association, Historical Society, and Friends of the Chamber of Commerce.

Education and Political Experience

Specific details on formal education are not available in public records. Politically, Kavanagh served six years as a Fountain Hills town councilman and three years on the Lafayette, New Jersey Town Council before joining the Arizona Legislature in 2007, where he has served in both the House and Senate.