A joint hearing of the Alaska Republican Party’s House Districts 7 and 8 (Kenai Peninsula Senate Seat D) will convene on Wednesday, July 3, at 5 p.m. at Paradiso’s Restaurant in Kenai to consider a formal request to censure State Sen. Jesse Bjorkman.
The hearing stems from a complaint formally filed in May by six registered Republican constituents — three from each district within Senate District D, which Bjorkman represents. The complaint alleges Bjorkman has violated party principles and rules outlined in Article VII of the Alaska Republican Party’s bylaws, and it calls for censure under those provisions.
The complaint was approved by the officers of both Districts 7 and 8 and hand-delivered to Senator Bjorkman on June 17 by District 7 Chairman Jim Reveal, along with an invitation to attend the July 3 hearing to defend his actions.
As of this writing, Bjorkman has not responded to the invitation.
At the hearing, district officers will consider three main charges against Bjorkman:
- Deviation from the Republican Platform: The complaint asserts that Bjorkman voted in favor of legislation inconsistent with the Alaska Republican Party’s principles, citing as an example his support of House Bill 57. The bill, nicknamed the “Big Brother Bill,” drew criticism from within the party for perceived government overreach and infringement on parental rights.
- Formation of a Non-Republican Majority Caucus: The complainants allege that Bjorkman joined a legislative majority led by non-Republicans, with 5 of its 14 members registered as Republicans, falling afoul of party rules that discourage Republican officials from joining coalitions dominated by non-Republicans.
- Conduct Allegedly Bringing Dishonor to the Party: The complaint further alleges that Bjorkman has made false and misleading public statements, including mischaracterizations of his legislative partnerships.
Under ARP rules, a censure for non-statewide elected officials like Sen. Bjorkman requires a two-thirds vote by each of the affected district committees. Alternatively, a majority of organized districts may also vote to censure under statewide procedures. Sanctions may include ineligibility for party endorsement, recruitment of challengers, and prohibition from participating in party events.
The hearing will be open to the public unless moved into executive session with Bjorkman’s consent. Voting is limited to district officers and precinct leaders of Districts 7 and 8.
A meeting schedule is expected to be released over the weekend.
Bjorkman, elected to the Alaska Senate in 2022, replaced retiring Sen. Peter Micciche. Bjorkman has frequently drawn criticism from members the party for his Democrat positions and for caucusing with the Democrats in violation of the Republican platform.
The outcome of the hearing may have long-term political implications for Bjorkman, but his current term doesn’t end until 2029.