John Knotwell

William John Knotwell III (born January 24, 1978) is an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah House of Representatives representing District 52 since January 1, 2013. The district includes Herriman, western Riverton, southwest South Jordan in the State of Utah.

Born to American parents in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Knotwell spent most of his childhood in Southern California, near San Diego. Knotwell's father was a career United States Navy sailor who spent half his career as an enlisted sailor and half as a Commissioned Warrant Officer.

Early life and education

Knotwell graduated from Poway High School in Poway, California. He enrolled at Cal State University Northridge for 1 year of study. In December 1997, Knotwell moved to Utah and enrolled as a summer visiting student at Brigham Young University. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to be accepted full-time and later enrolled at Utah Valley State College.

Knotwell earned his AS in political science from Utah Valley State College (now Utah Valley University) and his BS in political science with a minor in history from the University of Utah and a Masters in Business Administration from Utah State University. Knotwell lives in Herriman, Utah and works as Chief Revenue Officer at RizePoint.

Early political career

During the 2010 Utah Republican neighborhood caucus, Knotwell was elected to serve as Precinct Chair, County Delegate and State Delegate. He participated in the state and county party conventions and served his term until 2012.In 2011, Knotwell ran for the Herriman City Council to represent District 1. He was unsuccessful in unseating incumbent City Councilman Matt Robinson.

In March 2012, Knotwell announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for Utah House of Representatives. Following the 2010 United States Census, the seat currently occupied by Daniel McCay was redistricted and became an open seat. Four candidates sought the nomination and Knotwell won on the first ballot with 76% of the vote. In the November 2012 General Election he won the popular vote and was designated Representative-elect until taking office on January 1, 2013.

Utah State House of Representatives

60th Utah State Legislature (2013-2014)

• Committee Assignments
  • Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Committee, Member
  • House Revenue & Taxation Standing Committee, Member
  • House Transportation Committee, Member
  • Public Utilities & Technology Interim Committee, Member

61st Utah State Legislature (2015-2016)

• Committee Assignments
  • House Business & Labor Standing Committee, Vice Chair
  • House Rules Committee, Vice Chair
  • Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Committee, Member
  • House Revenue & Taxation Standing Committee, Member
  • IT Steering Committee, Member

62nd Utah State Legislature (2017-2018)

Representative Knotwell was elected to serve as the Majority Assistant Whip during the 62nd Utah State Legislature. In this capacity, he will assist the other members of the majority elected leadership to craft the state budget, negotiate priorities among the Utah Senate and Governor's office and secure votes among the Utah House of Representatives.

• Committee Assignments
  • Executive Appropriations, Member
  • House Business & Labor Standing Committee, Member
  • House Transportation Standing Committee, Member
  • IT Steering Committee, Member

Legislation

2017 sponsored legislation

2016 sponsored legislation

Knotwell also floor sponsored SB0228 Multicounty Assessing and Collecting Levy Amendments, and SB0238S01 Safety Net Initiative Amendments.

2015 sponsored legislation

Knotwell also floor sponsored SB0052S1 Asset Forfeiture Amendments, SB0062 Certified Tax Rates Amendments, SB0169 Contact Lens Protection Act Amendments, and SB0226 Search and Seizure Amendments

2014 sponsored legislation

2013 sponsored legislation

Electoral history

2012 election

2014 election

Utah House of Representatives, 52nd District, 2014 General Election

2016 election