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Alaska House of Representatives

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Alaska House of
Representatives
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Split
Session start:  January 20, 2026
Session end:  May 20, 2026
Term length:  2 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Redistricting Board
Salary:  $84,000/year + per diem
Members
Total:  40
Democrats:  14
Republicans:  21
Other:  0 (Independent/Undeclared)
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
Speaker:  Bryce E. Edgmon
Maj. Leader:  Charles Kopp (R)
Min. Leader:  DeLena Johnson (R)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


The Alaska House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Alaska State Legislature. Alongside the Alaska State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Alaska state government and works alongside the governor of Alaska to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Alaska House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Alaska House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building in Juneau, Alaska.

  • All 40 Alaska House seats were up for election in 2020. Click to read more »
  • Although Republicans won a 23-16 majority with one independent in the 2018 elections, a coalition of 15 Democrats, four Republicans, and two independents elected Bryce Edgmon as House speaker on February 14, 2019. The parties split control of key leadership positions and committees. Read more here.
  • Alaska has a divided government, and no political party holds a state government trifecta. A trifecta exists when one political party simultaneously holds the governor’s office and majorities in both state legislative chambers. As of March 2, 2026, there are 23 Republican trifectas, 14 Democratic trifectas, and 13 divided governments where neither party holds trifecta control. In the 2020 election, Republicans had a net gain of two trifectas and two states under divided government became trifectas. Prior to that election, Alaska had a divided government. There were 21 Republican trifectas, 15 Democratic trifectas, and 14 divided governments.
  • This page contains the following information on the Alaska House of Representatives.

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Alaska House of Representatives as of March 2026:

    Partisan composition, Alaska House of Representatives
    As of March 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic14
    Republican21
    Nonpartisan4
    Other1
    Vacancies0
    Total40

    Members

    Leadership

    The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body.[1]

    Current leadership and members


    Office Name Party Date assumed office
    Alaska House of Representatives District 1 Jeremy Bynum Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 2 Rebecca Himschoot Nonpartisan January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 3 Andi Story Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 4 Sara Hannan Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 5 Louise Stutes Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 6 Sarah Vance Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 7 Justin Ruffridge Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 8 Bill Elam Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 9 Ky Holland Nonpartisan January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 10 Charles Kopp Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 11 Julie Coulombe Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 12 Calvin Schrage Nonpartisan January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 13 Andrew Josephson Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 14 Alyse Galvin Nonpartisan January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 15 Mia Costello Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 16 Carolyn Hall Democratic January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 17 Zack Fields Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 18 David Nelson Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 19 Genevieve Mina Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 20 Andrew Gray Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 21 Donna Mears Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 22 Ted Eischeid Democratic January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 23 Jamie Allard Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 24 Dan Saddler Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 25 DeLena Johnson Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 26 Steve St. Clair Republican December 30, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 27 Jubilee Underwood Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 28 Elexie Moore Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 29 Garret Nelson Republican December 30, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 30 Kevin McCabe Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 31 Maxine Dibert Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 32 Will Stapp Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 33 Glenn Prax Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 34 Frank Tomaszewski Republican January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 35 Ashley Carrick Democratic January 17, 2023
    Alaska House of Representatives District 36 Becky Schwanke Republican January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 37 Bryce Edgmon Undeclared January 20, 2015
    Alaska House of Representatives District 38 Nellie Jimmie Democratic January 21, 2025
    Alaska House of Representatives District 39 Neal Foster Democratic November 16, 2009
    Alaska House of Representatives District 40 Robyn Burke Democratic January 21, 2025

    Salaries

    See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[2]
    SalaryPer diem
    $84,000/yearNon-Juneau legislators receive a per diem of $307 per day; Juneau legislators receive none.

    Swearing in dates

    See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

    The terms of Alaska legislators begin on the second Monday in January following a presidential election year and on the third Tuesday in January following a gubernatorial election year.[3]

    Membership qualifications

    See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

    Article II, Section 2 of the Alaska Constitution states: A member of the legislature shall be a qualified voter who has been a resident of Alaska for at least three years and of the district from which elected for at least one year, immediately preceding his filing for office. A representative shall be at least twenty-one years of age.

    Historical party control

    A multipartisan governing coalition has controlled the Alaska House of Representatives since 2016. These coalitions primarily consisted of Democrats and independents after the 2016, 2018, and 2020 elections. Following the 2022 elections, it consisted primarily of Republicans. After the 2024 elections, the coalition returned to a Democratic majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Alaska House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Alaska House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

    Year '92 '94 '96 '98 '00 '02 '04 '06 '08 '10 '12 '14 '16[4] '18[5] '20[6] '22[7] '24[8]
    Democrats 20 17 16 14 13 13 14 17 18 16 15 16 17 16 15 13 14
    Republicans 18 22 24 26 27 27 26 23 22 24 25 23 21 23 21 21 21
    Independents 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 6 5[9]

    Before 1992

    Alaska gained statehood in 1959, after which Democrats won House majorities in 13 of the 16 elections held between 1960 and 1994. Governing coalitions controlled the chamber after the 1962, 1972, and 1982 elections, each of which elected a Republican speaker.


    Trifecta history

    A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Alaska came under divided government following the 2014 elections when Bill Walker (I) was elected governor. The table below shows state government trifectas in Alaska from 1992 to 2019.

    Alaska Party Control: 1992-2026
    No Democratic trifectas  •  Six years of Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
    Governor I I R D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R I I I I R R R R R R R R
    Senate S R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R S S S S
    House D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D D S S S S S S S S

    Elections

    Elections by year

    Alaska state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Alaska holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2026

    Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026. The primary is August 18, 2026. The filing deadline is June 1, 2026.

    2024

    See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2024

    Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 20, 2024. The filing deadline was June 1, 2024.

    Democrats gained one seat in the 2024 elections, reducing the Republican numerical majority to 21-14-5. A 21-member coalition of 14 Democrats, five independents, and two Republicans assumed chamber control.

    Alaska House of Representatives
    Party As of November 5, 2024 After November 6, 2024
         Democratic Party 13 14
         Republican Party 22 21
         Nonpartisan 4 4
         Undeclared 1 1
    Total 40 40

    2022

    See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2022

    Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 16, 2022. The filing deadline was June 1, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, Republicans maintained 21 seats in the chamber. Democrats decreased by one to hold 14 seats, independents increased by one to hold four seats, and one seat stayed nonpartisan.

    Alaska House of Representatives
    Party As of November 8, 2022 After November 9, 2022
         Democratic Party 15 13
         Republican Party 21 21
         Independent 3 4
         Nonpartisan 1 2
    Total 40 40

    2020

    See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2020

    Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 18, 2020. The filing deadline was June 1, 2020.

    In the 2020 elections, Republicans won 21 seats and Democrats won 15 seats. One nonpartisan candidate and three independents were elected to the state House.


    Alaska House of Representatives
    Party As of November 3, 2020 After November 4, 2020
         Democratic Party 15 15
         Republican Party 22 21
         Independent 2 3
         Nonpartisan 0 1
         Vacancy 1 0
    Total 40 40

    2018

    See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2018

    Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2018. A hybrid primary election took place on August 21, 2018.[10] The general election was held on November 6, 2018.[11] The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2018. The deadline for independent and minor party candidates to submit signatures was August 21, 2018.[12]

    In the 2018 elections, Republicans won 23 seats, Democrats won 16 seats, and a Democratic-aligned independent won another race. However, due to defections from within their caucus, Republicans were not able to organize a majority in House. Read more about the aftermath of the elections here.


    Alaska House of Representatives
    Party As of November 6, 2018 After November 7, 2018
         Democratic Party 17 16
         Republican Party 20 23
         Independent 3 1
    Total 40 40

    2016

    See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2016

    Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 16, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2016. Republicans lost two seats but still retained a numerical majority in the chamber. However, a coalition between House Democrats, three Republican representatives, and two independent representatives gave effective control of the chamber to Democrats.

    Alaska House of Representatives
    Party As of November 7, 2016 After November 8, 2016
         Democratic Party 16 17[13]
         Republican Party 23 21
         Independent 1 2
    Total 40 40

    Vacancies

    See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in the Alaska State Legislature, the governor is responsible for selecting a replacement. The governor must select the replacement within 30 days after the vacancy happens. Nevertheless, if the predecessor's term is set to expire or if a special election is scheduled to fill a vacancy in the state Senate before the legislature reconvenes, the governor is not authorized to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.[20]

    DocumentIcon.jpg See sources: Alaska Stat. §15.40.320

    District map

    See also: Alaska state legislative districts

    The state of Alaska has 40 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.

    Redistricting

    See also: Redistricting in Alaska

    Because Alaska has only one congressional district, congressional redistricting is not necessary. A non-politician commission draws state legislative district lines. In place since 1998, Alaska's redistricting commission comprises five members. Two commissioners are appointed by the governor, one by the state Senate majority leader, one by the state House majority leader, and one by the chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court. State law mandates that commissioners "be chosen without regard to party affiliation." One commissioner must be selected from each of the state's judicial districts.[21]

    The Alaska Constitution requires that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. Furthermore, every state legislative district must contain a "relatively integrated socio-economic area." Each state legislative district is served by one state senator and two state representatives.[21]

    2020

    See also: Redistricting in Alaska after the 2020 census

    Upon completion of the 2020 census, Alaska will draft and enact new district maps. On Aug. 23, 2021, the Alaska Redistricting Board designated Aug. 12 as the start of its timeline.[22][23][24] The approved schedule set Sept. 11, 2021, as the deadline for publishing the commission's proposed plans, and Nov. 10, 2021, as the deadline for adoption of the final plan.[24]

    The board released its first draft maps on Sept. 9 and adopted a final state legislative map on Nov. 10, 2021, beginning a 30-day period, during which time any interested parties could file legal challenges against the map.[25] [26][27]

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Alaska House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. Information on legislation provided below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. The tracker is fully interactive. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read its text in full and see its voting history. You can click the headings to sort the content in the column. You can also rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Finally, in the bottom-left corner of the tracker is a magnifying glass, which, when clicked, will allow you to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Alaska by year

    2025

    See also: 2025 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2025, and adjourn on May 20, 2025.



    About legislative sessions in Alaska

    The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[40] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Section 8 of Article II of the Alaska Constitution contains provisions relating to the timing and length of sessions of the Alaska State Legislature, of which the House of Representatives is a part. However, the provisions related to the convening date of the Legislature have been changed by law, and the provisions limiting the length of legislative sessions have been changed by the Alaska 90-Day Legislative Session Amendment. This amendment was passed in a 2006 ballot initiative, and it limits the regular sessions of the Legislature to ninety days.

    Section 9 of Article II allows for special sessions to be called by the governor of Alaska or by a two-thirds vote of the legislators. Special sessions are limited to thirty days.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-No party.png

    See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Alaska are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in a joint session.

    Two-thirds of all legislators in a joint session must vote to override a veto, which is 40 of the 60 members in both chambers of the Alaska State Legislature. Alaska is the only state that requires a two-thirds vote from its combined legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    According to Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution, bills vetoed following the first year of the legislative session can be overridden during a special session or in the regular session the following year. Bills vetoed following the second regular session can only be overridden in a special session, which can be called by two-thirds of legislators.[41]

    Are there other special rules?

    If the governor vetoes a revenue or appropriation bill, a three-fourths vote by the legislature is required to override the veto, which is 45 of 60 legislators.[42]

    Authority: Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution.

    "Upon receipt of a veto message during a regular session of the legislature, the legislature shall meet immediately in joint session and reconsider passage of the vetoed bill or item. Bills to raise revenue and appropriation bills or items, although vetoed, become law by affirmative vote of three-fourths of the membership of the legislature. Other vetoed bills become law by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the legislature."

    Role in state budget

    See also: Alaska state budget and finances
    Alaska on Public Policy Logo-one line-on Ballotpedia.png
    Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
    BudgetsCivil libertiesEducationElectionsEnergyEnvironmentHealthcarePensions

    The state operates on an annual budget cycle, with the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[43]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July.
    2. Agencies submit their budget requests to the governor in October.
    3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature by December 15.
    4. The legislature adopts a budget by a simple majority in April.

    The governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget. Likewise, the legislature is required by statute to pass a balanced budget.[43]

    Alaska is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[43][44]

    Committees

    See also: List of committees in Alaska state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and special committees in Alaska. The Alaska House of Representatives has 10 standing committees and four special committees:

    Standing Committees:

    Special committees:


    See also

    Elections Alaska State Government State Legislatures State Politics
    Ballotpedia Elections Badge-VOTE-no shadow-Square.jpg
    Alaska State Flag-Close Up.jpg
    State Houses-Tile image.png
    State Courts-Tile image.png

    Footnotes

    1. Alaska House of Representatives, "House Leadership," accessed April 21, 2015
    2. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    3. Office of Lt. Governor Kevin Meyer, "The Constitution of the State of Alaska, Article II § 3. Election and Terms," accessed January 17, 2019
    4. 17 Democrats, three Republicans, and two independents formed a 22-member governing coalition.
    5. 15 Democrats, six Republicans, and two independents formed a 23-member governing coalition. One independent was Bryce Edgmon who switched his affiliation from Democratic to unenrolled after the election.
    6. 15 Democrats, two Republicans, and four independents formed a 21-member governing coalition. Two Republicans did not join either caucus.
    7. 19 Republicans, two Democrats, and two independents formed a 23-member governing coalition.
    8. 14 Democrats, five independents, and two Republicans formed a 21-member governing coalition.
    9. Four independents, one undeclared
    10. National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Systems," accessed March 23, 2017
    11. Alaska Division of Elections, "Primary Election Information," accessed May 31, 2017
    12. Alaska Division of Elections, "Candidate Filing Forms and Information," accessed May 31, 2017
    13. A coalition between House Democrats, three Republican representatives, and two independent representatives gave effective control of the chamber to Democrats.
    14. Follow the Money, "Alaska House of Representatives 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed April 21, 2015
    15. Follow the Money, "Alaska 2008 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
    16. Follow the Money, "Alaska 2006 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
    17. Follow the Money, "Alaska 2004 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
    18. Follow the Money, "Alaska 2002 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
    19. Follow the Money, "Alaska 2000 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
    20. Alaska State Legislature, " Sec. 15.40.320. Condition and time for filling vacancy by appointment," accessed February 8, 2021 (Statute 15.40.320)
    21. 21.0 21.1 All About Redistricting, "Alaska," accessed April 17, 2015
    22. All About Redistricting, "Alaska," accessed Nov. 22, 2021
    23. Alaska Board of Apportionment, "Board Packet, August 23/24," accessed August 24
    24. 24.0 24.1 Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska's redistricting board sets Nov. 10 deadline for new legislative map," accessed August 24, 2021
    25. Alaska Redistricting Board, "Map Gallery," accessed September 14, 2021
    26. Peninsula Clarion, "New boundaries, shortened terms for local senators after redistricting," Nov. 10, 2021
    27. Alaska Native News, "Alaska Redistricting Board Approves Proposed Redistricting Plans," Sept. 21, 2021
    28. Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska Legislature approves $4.5 billion budget plus $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend, then departs Juneau," March 29, 2020
    29. Multistate, "2020 Legislative Session Dates," last updated May 20, 2020
    30. newsminer.com, "Alaska legislators begin what's shaping up to be long, tough session," January 20, 2016
    31. KTUU, "Alaska Legislature to get underway; budget a big issue," January 20, 2015
    32. www.newsminer.com/, "Alaska lawmakers prepare for first legislative session of 2014," accessed January 22, 2014
    33. juneauempire.com, "Oil taxes to top agenda for next Legislature," accessed April 22, 2015
    34. ktuu.com, "Alaska Legislative Session Adjourns," April 15, 2013
    35. ncsl.org, "2012 Legislative Session Calendar," accessed April 21, 2015
    36. Anchorage Daily News, "Lingering issues to test Legislature," January 16, 2012
    37. Juneau Empire, "Operating budget agreement helps clear way to end of session," May 4, 2011
    38. ncsl.org, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed April 21, 2015
    39. Anchorage Daily News, "House votes down bill to save coastal management program," June 28, 2011
    40. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    41. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," accessed June 28, 2017
    42. National Conference of State Legislatures, "The Veto Process," accessed June 22, 2017
    43. 43.0 43.1 43.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    44. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024