Today, the Alaska State Senate Bipartisan Coalition announced it will continue for the 35th Alaska State Legislature. According to a press release from the Senate Bipartisan Coalition, the coalition has “established a balanced leadership structure” with the following positions announced:
- Senate President – Senator Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage
- Majority Leader – Senator-elect Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak
- Rules Chair – Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage
- Finance Chair – Senator Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau
- Finance Chair – Senator-elect Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham
The coalition will announce full membership and committee chairs once all races are final. Despite the coalition leadership containing two Republicans, two Democrats, and one Independent, all five legislators are liberal minded.
The coalition was first formed in 2022 under the leadership of Senator Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, who is retiring from state service in January. The incoming Senate President, Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, has served in the Senate for 14 years. She has been a member of the coalition for the past four years, served as Majority Leader, and has chaired the Senate Resources Committee.
“For the past four years, this coalition has shown that Alaska is best served when legislators work across party lines to pass responsible budgets and resolve issues that impact everyday Alaskans,” said Sen. Giessel, incoming Senate President. “Senators come to this majority from every region of this state, and from different political perspectives, because they want results for their communities. We will continue to build on that record to support Alaska families, strengthen our economic opportunities, and uphold a strong public education system.”
“This is an experienced team that represents communities all across the state who have shown success in working together and across party lines. This is the message that Alaskans have continued to send us to address the many needs for a stronger Alaska future,” said Sen. Bill Wielechowski, Senate Rules Chair. “This coalition will continue to focus on lowering costs for families, ensuring Alaska receives its fair share for our resources, election reform, and making sure that every community across the state, urban and rural, has a seat at the table.”
Several races still have ballots to be counted and must go through the ranked-choice tabulation which is scheduled for November 18.
