On Oct 10, 2023, Josiah Patkotak, who had represented House District 40 as an independent, stepped down from his legislative role. Governor Mike Dunleavy is now inviting any eligible Alaskan living in House District 40 to apply for the vacant seat.
"Governor Mike Dunleavy is inviting any eligible Alaskan living in House District 40 to apply for the vacant seat," said the announcement.
House District 40 covers the farthest north region of the state, stretching from the Kotzebue area north to Wainwright, Utqiagvik, Prudhoe Bay, and Kaktovik before ending at the Canadian border. Josiah Patkotak, who represented district 40 as an independent, resigned today. He was elected mayor of the North Slope Borough earlier this month.
According to the law, the Governor has 30 days to appoint a qualified person to fill a vacancy. Residents of House District 40 have until Tue, Oct 31 to submit an application. To apply, visit https://gov.alaska.gov.