The first day of Alaska’s legislative session ended with the House still in disarray — with no speaker elected and no clear idea of who will form the chamber’s majority.
Speaker Pro Tempore Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiagvik, presides over the State House on Tuesday at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. The legislators failed to elect a speaker on the first day of session.
From left, Rep. Jesse Sumner, R-Wasilla, Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, Rep. Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, and Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, take the oath of office on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. Eastman, who is holding a copy of"The Founder's Bible," recently won a court case challenging his ability to hold office because of his membership in the far-right Oath Keepers group.
Patkotak was a member of the bipartisan caucus that controlled the chamber last year, but is seen as one of several swing members who could serve in a majority controlled by either Republicans or Democrats. “We thought this was a way to move the discussion forward, forming a coalition with likeminded people. And we see Justin Ruffridge that way,” Josephson said.
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