Pete Petersen (politician)

James F. "Pete" Petersen is a former member of the Alaska House of Representatives from District 25 in Northeast Anchorage. He introduced well known bills to outlaw price gouging by Alaska oil refineries and to require health insurance policies to cover treatment for autism. Petersen is a member of the Democratic Party.

Background
Pete Petersen was born in Wyoming, Iowa and grew up on a family farm in rural Iowa. He has lived in Anchorage since 2008; he has owned and operated a pizza and sandwich delivery restaurant in Anchorage for over 15 years. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic.

Legislative career
Petersen was elected to the State House in November 2008 winning against Republican incumbent Bob Roses by 235 votes. In the 26th Alaska State Legislature he served on the House Energy, State Affairs, and Transportation Committees as well as on the Finance Subcommittees for the Departments of Education and Early Development and Environmental Conservation.