Bipartisan coalitions will take control of both the Alaska House and Alaska Senate in the 34th Alaska Legislature following the general election, lawmakers announced Wednesday night.
The House will flip from a Republican-led majority to a majority coalition. Rep. Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham) will take the gavel again as speaker. He served speaker from 2017-2020. Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak), who formerly served as speaker from 2021-2022, will serve as the Rules Committee Chair, and Rep. Chuck Kopp (R-Anchorage) will serve as Majority Leader.
A news release listed the coalition’s priorities as balanced budgets, stable public education, retirement reform and energy development.
“Alaskans have spoken clearly and we will work together, representing residents of all regions, to stabilize public education funding, develop affordable energy, and fix Alaska’s workforce crisis,” Edgmon said.
“I’m excited to be part of a coalition where we can work across party lines for the good of all Alaskans. I look forward to a very productive session,” Stutes said.
“We’ve heard loud and clear Alaskans want us to fill police vacancies, provide outstanding public schools, and grow our economy,” Kopp said.
The Senate bipartisan coalition that got its start in November 2022 will continue.
Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) will stay on as Senate president. Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage) will continue serve as Majority Leader, Sen. Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) will serve as Rules Committee Chair, and Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel), Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) and Sen. Donny Olson (D-Golovin) will continue to co-chair the Finance Committee. Sen. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River) is the Majority Whip and Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage) will chair the legislative budget.
“Over the past two years, the bipartisan coalition cultivated strong relationships and worked across party lines to craft budgets that care for the needs of Alaskans, passed legislation making Alaska’s economy stronger, and showed partisan politics is not necessary for success in Juneau,” Stevens said.
“Alaskans can look forward to a productive Senate majority, getting the important things done. We are focused on doing our best for Alaska families, businesses, and communities,” Giessel said.
“Our coalition is dedicated to creating a stronger workforce, enhancing our public education system, and investing in reliable infrastructure for Alaska,” Wielechowski said. “By removing partisan differences, we’re focused on what truly matters to Alaskans with solutions that support strong communities and lasting economic growth. This is about making tangible improvements that benefit all corners of our state — urban and rural.”
Full membership and committee membership for both coalitions will be announced after ballots are certified on Nov. 20.
Contact Haley Lehman at 907-459-7575 or by email at hlehman@newsminer.com.
