Lance Pruitt

Lance Pruitt (born August 18, 1981) is the Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 27th district which covers East Anchorage. He was elected in 2010.

Born and raised in Anchorage, Pruitt graduated from Heritage High School in 1999, thereafter spending the next four years at the University of Alaska Anchorage gaining a BA in history. Afterwards Pruitt began work in logistical management, including becoming service manager at Fed Ex Ground, and alongside his work as a state representative Pruitt is now also the general manager of Sears Logistics and the owner of small business Good 4 You Vending. Furthering his study, he attended Kaplan University from 2007 to 2009 and graduated with an MBA in administration. He has also been a NANA slope worker and a member of the Alaska Chamber of Commerce.

Pruitt ran for the state house's 21st district being vacated by Democrat Harry Crawford. Running unopposed, Pruitt gained the Republican nomination in August 2010. Come the November election, he beat Democrat nominee Barbara Norton 54% to 43% (the Libertarian nominee and write-ins received the remainder of the vote).

Since being elected, Pruitt has become co-chair of the house's Energy Special Committee; amongst the other groups he is on Pruitt is also vice-chair of the education and transportation committees, and a member of the Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus. In the 2011 mid-term Alaska Business Report Card - a grading system run by several Alaska business coalitions judging state officials on how favourable they are to the business community - Pruitt received an A, only 1 of 12 representatives to receive that and the highest A+ grade.

In his first term, Pruitt was the youngest member of the House. He was also the first person under age 30 to serve in the Alaska Legislature since Mary Kapsner reached her 30th birthday while in office in 2003. Pruitt was named a 2014 Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow.

Pruitt is married to Mary Ann and has two children and currently resides in East Anchorage. He is a member of the National Rifle Association, which also endorsed his run for the house. Alongside his activities Pruitt has also been a soccer coach, and helped for both the Alaska Airmen's Association and the Resource Development Council.