Alaska lawmakers are anticipating a change in leadership in the state House and Senate when the legislature convenes in January, with bipartisan coalitions set to take control. However, uncertainty looms over who will be the state’s governor, as there are speculations that Gov. Mike Dunleavy may be offered a job in President Donald Trump’s new administration.
Legislators believe that Dunleavy might accept a position in the Trump administration, with Senate President Gary Stevens suggesting that the governor’s name could be considered for various cabinet positions. While Dunleavy has not had direct discussions with Trump about a job, he has expressed openness to the possibility.
If Dunleavy were to leave office, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom would automatically become governor under the state constitution. This potential change in leadership has raised hopes among lawmakers for progress on issues that have seen clashes with the current governor, such as increased funding for public schools, which was vetoed last year.
Despite concerns about working with Dunleavy, legislators are prepared to collaborate with whoever occupies the governor’s office in January. The departure of a governor to join a presidential administration wouldn’t be without precedence, as former Alaska Gov. Wally Hickel did the same in 1969.
With uncertainty surrounding Dunleavy’s future and Trump’s cabinet appointments typically announced late in the year, Alaskan lawmakers are gearing up for potential changes in leadership and are focused on finding ways to work together for the benefit of the state.
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Photo credit alaskabeacon.com
