The Alaska House Republican Caucus finished organizing on Saturday. With 19 members, it elected Rep.-elect Mia Costello as minority leader, Rep. Cathy Tilton as minority whip, and the following members to serve on the Finance Committee: Reps. Will Stapp of Fairbanks, Frank Tomaszewski of Fairbanks, Jamie Allard of Eagle River, DeLena Johnson of Palmer, and Rep.-elect Jeremy Bynum of Ketchikan.
Although 21 Republicans were elected in Alaska to the House — enough for a majority — two Republican members betrayed their fellow Republicans and organized with the Democrats — Louise Stutes of Kodiak and Chuck Kopp of Anchorage.
It’s the same situation as in the Senate this year, with a majority of Republicans elected, but Democrats put in charge due to duplicity of certain Republicans — Gary Stevens, Cathy Giessel, Bert Stedman, Jesse Bjorkman and Kelly Merrick, who organized with the Democrats.
But it leaves a strong Republican minority that is not without power. Nineteen in the House is enough to help block an override of a governor’s veto, along with the six-member Senate Republican minority.
“I am honored to lead this dedicated group of legislators as we represent the interests and values of Alaskans,” Costello said. “I deeply appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me and pledge to guide our efforts with focus, integrity, and resolve.”
Other Committee Assignments made Saturday
Resources – Dan Saddler, George Rauscher, Julie Coulombe and Bill Elam
Judiciary – Sarah Vance, Costello, and Jubilee Underwood
Labor & Commerce – Saddler, Coulombe, and David Nelson
Education – Underwood, Rebecca Schwanke, and Elam
Health & Social Services – Mike Prax, Coulombe, and Schwanke
State Affairs – Vance, Kevin McCabe, and Elexie Moore
Transportation – McCabe, Tilton, and Moore
Community and Regional Affairs – Prax and Justin Ruffridge
Energy – Tilton, Rauscher and Costello
Fisheries – McCabe, Vance, and Elam
Military & Veteran Affairs – Saddler, Rauscher, and Nelson
Tribal Affairs – Schwanke
The Alaska House Republican Caucus said it will prioritize:
- Delivering affordable, reliable Alaska-sourced energy to secure a stable future.
- Ensuring accountability in education with stable funding, school choice, and measurable outcomes for families.
- Advocating for responsible budgets that protect the Permanent Fund dividend and safeguard Alaska’s economic future.
