On November 12, the Alaska Senate Majority unveiled the leadership lineup for the 35th Alaska State Legislature. The announcement includes committee chairs and co‑chairs who will guide key policy areas such as finance, education, health, and resources.
Leadership team
Senator Cathy Giessel (R‑Anchorage) will serve as Senate President, with Senator‑elect Louise Stutes (R‑Kodiak) as Majority Leader. Senator Bill Wielechowski (D‑Anchorage) was named Rules Chair, and Senator Elvi Gray‑Jackson (D‑Anchorage) will act as Majority Whip.
Committee chairs
- Community & Regional Affairs: Senator Elvi Gray‑Jackson
- Education: Senator Löki Tobin
- Health & Social Services: Co‑Chair Senator Forrest Dunbar, Co‑Chair Senator Löki Tobin
- Finance: Co‑Chair Senator Jesse Kiehl, Co‑Chair Senator‑elect Bryce Edgmon
- Judiciary: Senator Matt Claman
- Labor & Commerce: Senator Forrest Dunbar
- Resources: Co‑Chair Senator Cathy Giessel, Co‑Chair Senator‑elect Louise Stutes
- State Affairs: Senator Elvi Gray‑Jackson
- Transportation: Senator‑elect Louise Stutes
- Legislative Budget & Audit: Vice‑Chair Senator Elvi Gray‑Jackson
- Legislative Council: Senator Matt Claman
- Joint Armed Services: Co‑Chair Senator Scott Kawasaki
The Finance Committee will be led by two co‑chairs: Senator Jesse Kiehl (D‑Juneau), who will oversee the capital budget and related bills, and Senator‑elect Bryce Edgmon (I‑Dillingham), who will manage the operating budget.
Policy priorities
The Majority said it will pursue long‑term solutions for Alaska, with particular attention to lowering the state’s high energy and health‑care costs, reforming the election system, and addressing teacher and public‑employee recruitment and retention challenges.
“This majority has a vast amount of experience and geographical diversity that will continue to look past political parties, work with the House and our new Governor, and, more specifically, work on behalf of all Alaska,” said Senate President‑elect Cathy Giessel. “We will get to work on lowering energy costs so Alaskans can keep their heat and lights on, ensure children have access to quality public education, and build an election system they trust.”
Senator‑elect Stutes added, “I come from a fishing town, where you learn early that everybody on the boat has to work together. That is how I see this job—working collectively, showing respect, and serving the people of Alaska.”
Senator Wielechowski, Rules Chair, noted, “Alaskans want the chance to build a future and grow a family in the place they love and call home. That means providing opportunity in every community, urban and rural, and working together to deliver it.”
Full committee membership will be released on the first day of the legislative session once the Committee on Committees finalizes its report.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
