Alaska Legislature

All news stories about Alaska state government politics. (These stories are also categorized as “politics”.)

Man speaking in legislative chamber

Alaska Senate’s minority caucus will include 6 Republicans led by Wasilla Sen. Mike Shower

With six members, the conservative minority would be guaranteed seats on legislative committees and be able to hire additional staff.
People walk on a construction area in fornt of some suburban houses and a snow covered mountain.

Alaska’s state-backed housing lender relaunches $10K rebate for new energy-efficient homes

The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. will offer a $10,000 credit for roughly 650 new homes that receive a five-plus or six-star energy efficiency rating.
stickers

Alaska election results are official: Here are 5 takeaways

Among the takeaways: There were no changes in the outcomes, but the margin defeating ranked choice repeal grew.

For the first time, women will outnumber men in the Alaska House next year

There will be 21 women in the state House, according to unofficial election results. 43% of the Legislature will be women, a record high.
two men

Alaska House Democrats Cliff Groh and CJ McCormick ousted after final ballot count

Groh’s loss leaves just 21 members in a Democrat-heavy bipartisan caucus that is seeking to take control of the Alaska House, a bare majority.
a harbor

Dire condition of Alaska’s seafood industry has many causes and no easy fixes, experts say

A legislative task force is considering many responses to rescue the industry and communities that depend on it.

What to expect from the 34th Alaska Legislature

The House and Senate’s bipartisan caucuses appear to be in alignment on key issues.
A man waving a sign.

Election update: Begich declares victory, margin for ranked choice repeal now under 900 votes

“Alaskans have spoken,” Begich said. “It will be the honor of a lifetime to have the opportunity to serve as your voice in Congress.”
A man in a jacket looks at the camera holding a sign against ranked choice voting. While others in support of ballot initiative two and Nick Begich's campaign stand near the road with signs.

Lead for Ballot Measure 2 shrinks to less than 1,700 votes in latest election results update

Nick Begich III maintains a roughly 3-point lead over Congresswoman Mary Peltola. State House Rep. Cliff Groh, D-Anchorage, leads by just 10 votes.
people waive signs

Begich maintains lead and repeal of ranked choice still passing in updated election results

Nick Begich III now has 49% of first-place votes to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola’s 46%, while Ballot Measure 2 is passing by a margin of 1 percentage point.
two men in office chairs

Alaska Capitol’s ‘worst-kept secret’ is that Gov. Dunleavy may leave office to join Trump

Some lawmakers believe the governor may not be in office by the time the new Legislature convenes in January.
the Alaska State Capitol

Coalition lawmakers say they’re confident bipartisan Alaska House majority will hold

Though Alaskans voted for Donald Trump this year by a wide margin, the trend at the state level runs counter to the rightward shift seen across the country this cycle.

Bipartisan coalitions claim control of both Alaska House and Senate

That means the state House will flip from Republican-led majority control and have a new speaker, according to a news release.

How Alaska legislative races are shaping up

So far, many coalition-minded Senate candidates are leading, and control of the state House is up in the air.
a ballot

Bethel’s absentee in-person polling location ran out of official ballots hours before closing

The recording of votes on sample ballots prompted concern on a community Facebook page. But the state said it was perfectly legal.
the outside of a building

Alaska voters head to the polls with bad weather delaying voting in 2 remote communities

A windstorm kept the polling location in St. George closed until 2 p.m. The polling place in Wales was expected to open at 4 p.m.
a voter

Feds to monitor compliance with voting rights laws in rural Alaska

Monitoring will focus on the Bethel, Dillingham and Kusilvak Census Areas, as well as the North Slope and Northwest Arctic Boroughs.
a line of people stand outside

Alaskans line up like never before to vote early in the November election

More than 100,000 Alaskans had already voted by early Monday. That includes early in-person voters, who have exceeded the record the state set four years ago.

Six House and Senate races to watch as voters make their picks for Alaska Legislature

Democrats and independents are hoping to flip control of the Alaska House. Conservatives are vying to take the Senate.

How candidates for the Alaska Legislature are talking about education as Election Day nears

A vote on overriding the governor's veto of an education bill has come up repeatedly in talks with voters, candidates said.