Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiagvik, speaks in favor of HJR 6, the resolution in support of the Willow oil project, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at the Alaska State Capitol. The resolution passed 36-0. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiagvik, speaks in favor of HJR 6, the resolution in support of the Willow oil project, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at the Alaska State Capitol. The resolution passed 36-0. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Applications now being accepted for nation’s northernmost legislator

Rep. Josiah Patkotak resigns after win in North Slope mayor’s race; governor seeks replacement online

Rep. Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak, America’s farthest north state legislator, resigned from the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday after winning election as mayor of the North Slope Borough.

Patkotak’s resignation opens a vacancy in the Alaska House of Representatives, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy has 30 days to nominate someone to fill the seat.

The governor’s office has opened an online application form for interested candidates, and applications are being accepted through Oct. 31.

Because Patkotak is unaffiliated with any political party, the governor may pick anyone at least 21 years old who is a qualified voter, has lived in Alaska for at least three years, and has lived in House District 40 — covering the North Slope Borough and Northwest Arctic Borough — for at least a year.

The selection by Dunleavy, a Republican, must be confirmed by the remaining 22 members of the coalition that holds a majority in the Alaska House. That coalition includes two Democrats, one independent and 19 Republicans.

“We knew Josiah was running and he’s a good guy. We’re not surprised he won, and we wish him well in his duty,” said House Majority Leader Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River.

Alaska has never had a vacancy in a seat held by an independent, and the confirmation process is new, set by 2020’s Ballot Measure 2. Saddler said he has a legal opinion that sets expectations, and he expects the majority caucus to have the final say.

He said the Legislature will have little input on the process until Dunleavy makes his decision.

“He will make the best pick as he sees,” Saddler said. “We will consider whoever he points to.”

Patkotak did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Tuesday afternoon, but in his resignation letter, he thanked voters and his colleagues.

“I have great faith that the challenges and opportunities our state faces are going to be met head-on by this Legislature, and I am here to provide support in whatever way I can,” he said in the letter.

Patkotak’s resignation had been expected if he won; he said in May that he was planning to run for mayor and would resign if he won that local race.

The North Slope Borough is Alaska’s highest income on a per-capita basis, and it governs the territory that includes the state’s major oil fields.

Patkotak raised more money than his opponents in the mayoral race and led in initial vote-counting after local elections on Oct. 3. In certified results posted Tuesday, he received 796 votes; his closest opponent had 345.

• James Brooks is a longtime Alaska reporter, having previously worked at the Anchorage Daily News, Juneau Empire, Kodiak Mirror and Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. This article originally appeared online at alaskabeacon.com. Alaska Beacon, an affiliate of States Newsroom, is an independent, nonpartisan news organization focused on connecting Alaskans to their state government.

More in News

Aurora forecast for the week of Nov. 27

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

This symbol is inside of the Alaska Department of Corrections office on Sept. 7, 2022, in Douglas. (Photo by Lisa Phu/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska Police Standards Council turns down plan to lower hiring age of corrections officers — for now

The Alaska Police Standards Council voted down a regulation change that would… Continue reading

Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, right, and former Rep. Christopher Kurka, R-Wasilla, saw ethics complaints against them dismissed on Nov. 29. (Photos by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Committee dismisses complaints that two Alaska lawmakers committed ethics violations

The body charged with policing the ethics of members of the Alaska… Continue reading

A bus parks outside the entrance of Foodland IGA during the Southeast Alaska Food Bank’s annual Caring is Sharing Food Drive on Nov. 18. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
SNAP benefits backlog surges past 12,000 applicants again due to technical, staffing woes

State reportedly cleared year-long 14,000-person backlog, only to have new crisis erupt.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Tree reflections and icy patterns on an East Glacier Trail pond Nov. 29. (Photo by Denise Carroll)
Wild Shots

To showcase our readers’ work to the widest possible audience, Wild Shots… Continue reading

Snow falls on the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Funding gap looms for Alaska’s domestic violence programs, but need for services is as high as ever

A major source of funding for Alaska’s domestic violence response has decreased… Continue reading

Most Read