August 17, 2020 •
Three Names Forwarded to Alaska Governor for Vacant Legislative Seat
Out of six applicants, three names were forwarded to Gov. Mike Dunleavy to fill the District 30 seat until a new legislator is sworn in in January.
The district currently lacks representation since the untimely passing of Rep. Gary Knopp in a July midair plane collision.
The three chosen by the District 30 committee are Ron Gillham, Derek Leichliter, and Charlene Tautfest.
Gillham is a candidate for the seat and his name is already on the ballot for the primary election.
When a vacancy occurs, the governor typically will choose from the three names the district leaders of the party offer.
In this case, the governor may not appoint a fill-in person, but would need to appoint one if he calls a special session for the purpose of legislative confirmation of his boards and commissions picks.
His choice would have to be ratified by Republicans in the House.
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