Political Shakeup: Tuckerman Babcock is out, Stevens is in

Dunleavy Chief of Staff Tuckerman Babcock has been replaced.

Tuckerman Babcock, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Ben Stevens pose for a picture Wednesday in Anchorage. (Courtesy photo | Governor’s Office)

Tuckerman Babcock, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Ben Stevens pose for a picture Wednesday in Anchorage. (Courtesy photo | Governor’s Office)

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Chief of Staff Tuckerman Babcock will step down from that role and assume the role of Senior Policy Advisor for Strategic Affairs, a press release from the governor’s office announced Wednesday.

“It’s been a privilege to have Tuckerman Babcock serve as my Chief of Staff, and I’m grateful for his continued service and commitment to the State of Alaska,” the governor said in the release.

Babcock will be replaced by Ben Stevens, currently a policy advisor to the governor’s administration and former state senator.

Stevens was once under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in regards to his consulting work for oil-fields services company Veco while a state senator. Stevens was never charged and denied any wrong doing. He’s a son of the late U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska,

Babcock served as Chairman of the Alaska GOP before being tapped by the Dunleavy administration last November.

“This is a move I requested of the Governor; which allows me to concentrate on the areas I can best serve the Governor’s agenda. This will be a smooth internal transition,” Babcock said in a press release.

The statement from the governor’s office said the transition would begin immediately and take place over the next week.

The governor’s office could not be immediately reached for comment.


• Contact reporter Peter Segall at 523-2228 or psegall@juneauempire.com.


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