Congressman-elect Nick Begich named Rick Whitbeck his state director for Alaska. Whitbeck was most recently the Alaska state director for Power the Future, a national pro-energy group. He was also a former vice chairman of the Alaska Republican Party and has held other roles, notably in telecommunications.
Whitbeck is well known across energy and telecommunications sectors and, through his work on many campaigns and ballot initiatives over the years, is a household name in Alaska political circles. Whitbeck has penned numerous opinion columns about Alaska energy; many of them were published by Must Read Alaska; he also hosted a talk radio show and a podcast.
As state director for Alaska congressional representative, Whitbeck will focus on outreach to constituents and manage regional offices and staff, including liaisons who can assist Alaskans with their needs that relate to federal agencies.
Other key appointments were announced by Begich. They are:
Michael Horanburg – Chief of Staff
Horanburg is a Capitol Hill veteran who helped lead the 2024 Begich for Congress campaign. Horanburg previously served as chief of staff in the 117th Congress for New Mexico’s Rep. Yvette Herrell, who represented a district with significant energy resources, a diverse population, and other challenges similar to those encountered in Alaska. He will oversee the office’s day-to-day operations, provide strategic direction, and serve as Begich’s primary advisor.
Kevin Swanson – Legislative Director/Deputy Chief of Staff
Swanson served as a legislative assistant for members of the Alaska delegation, managing issues including transportation and infrastructure, areas of critical expertise as Begich joins the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Swanson will help develop legislative policy initiatives to address the needs of Alaskans.
Silver J. Prout – Communications Director/Fishery Liaison
Prout is a Kodiak native who has experience on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch for President Trump. She will manage public relations, media engagement, and ensure Alaskans remain informed about key issues, while also serving as the office’s liaison on fisheries-related matters.
Bre Klayum – Director of Operations
Klayum is a born-and-raised Alaskan. She will oversee the daily administrative operations of the D.C. office, ensuring efficiency and facilitating interactions between the Congressman’s office and the public. Klayum began her Capitol Hill career as deputy scheduler for Sen. Dan Sullivan, serving the Alaska in that capacity for more than three years.
“I am honored to introduce this outstanding team of dedicated professionals who will be pivotal in delivering real results for Alaska,” the congressman-elect said. “Together, we are committed to advancing Alaska First policies, responsibly unlocking our state’s immense natural resources, and improving the lives of hardworking Alaskans. This team has the expertise, determination, and vision to ensure Alaska’s priorities are not only heard but acted upon at the national level, paving the way for a stronger, more prosperous future for our state.”
Begich’s term — and his professional staff’s term — begins on Jan. 3. He has been collaborating with President Trump’s official transition team, members of Congress, House leadership, and Alaskans.
Ok guys Get over there and help us out, And make Murkowski as uncomfortable as you possibly can
We have had Murkowski in service for 24-yrs and she will remain in place until at least 2028. Most of her choices are disagreeable to most Alaska conservatives. However, it is in our best interest to collaborate with her to the greatest degree possible. Making her “uncomfortable” is unlikely create the desired results.
“…….it is in our best interest to collaborate with her to the greatest degree possible…….”
Actually, I think it’s supposed to be the other way around. And frankly, Alaskans won’t need to make her uncomfortable. Donald Trump is going to be doing that aplenty.
Murkowski has held office for 24-yrs and she will remain in place until at least 2028. Most of her choices are disagreeable to Alaska conservatives. However, it is in our best interest to collaborate with her to the greatest degree possible. Making her “uncomfortable” is unlikely to create the desired results.
Excellent choice for staffing Nick.
We are excited to be rid of Mary and start the process of some fair representation of Alaska
I’m excited for Rep. elect Begich to hit the ground running. I volunteer to keep tabs on issues and legislation affecting Alaska Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He and his campaign team have been more than receptive to hear what’s going on at the national level and how it affects our fragile system in Alaska. Pretty pumped to have a champion there for our ultra-rural state’s EMS clinicians. No one else cares or is looking out for us.
Fellow Alaskans, patriots,
What is the bridge too far that people like Dunleavy, his Dr. Ann Zink ( Fauci’s sidekick) have crossed that is too much for Alaskans ??
It’s not only his violating Alaska Statutes that say he is to be fiscally responsible with Alaska’s budget, violating his sworn oath to follow the constitution and also to protect Alaskan citizens from all enemies, foreign and domestic, ( following Biden and flying in foreigners from all over the world, many criminals from emptied jails, insane asylum inmates, divisions of military age men, dispersing them all over Alaska and giving them State jobs. 10,000 illegals, 60,000 non-citizens by Rep Allard’s count .)
Alaskan news media is being used as a propaganda machine against us. It is up to Alaska Landmine, Must Read Alaska etc to tell the people the truth !
On Newsmax, Wendy Bell show this morning ( look it up ) she said Senator Rand Paul ( doctor ) and HHS director elect Robert Kennedy are not fooling around and are saying Dr. Fauci and his cohorts belong in jail for crimes against humanity. Nuhamberg trials are in order, because many are dying from things like turbo cancer, myocarditis, strokes etc from the so called vac that doesn’t work !
Fauci and his sidekicks were telling hospitals to put people on ventilators and give them remdesiver which is sure to kill them. Happened here in Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration in Alaska , you know it ! He, Fauci and others were using the media to tell people NOT to take ivermectin that could have saved them.
How many of your/our own friends and family are now worried they have a ticking time bomb inside them because of the so called COVID vac and boosters.
This was all on Newsmax, Wendy Bell Show this morning. Please look it up, look at their archives.
Friends, we are under attack and our politicians have and are going too far, the bridge has been crossed and patriots who care about fellow Alaskans and our precious children and our homeland need to speak out and hold people like Fauci, Dr. Ann Zink and even Mike Dunleavy accountable to the full extent of the law before it’s too late to do anything. God bless Congressman elect Begich, he said on the Michael Dukes Show that those invaders need to be sent back home.
Wake up ! This compromised Dunleavy is now opening up job training centers for Non Alaskan citizens only, for foreigners
Good beginning.
Bringing in Kevin Swanson as LD is a particularly savvy choice and will significantly assist Congressmen Begich with infrastructure issues.
And I didn’t think I was getting any Christmas presents, thank you Nick and Suzanne !
Let’s get this party started! Celebrate!!
Rick Whitbeck is a solid conservative. Michael Horanburg was chief of staff for a member of the freedom caucus. Impressed!