Governor Seeks Applicants for Alaska House District Forty Vacancy

Governor Mike Dunleavy announced a public application period on December 20, 2025 to fill the vacancy in Alaska House District 40, created when Representative Josiah Patkotak resigned after being elected mayor of the North Slope Borough. The district covers the far north North Slope and surrounding areas, leaving constituents temporarily without a voting member in the Alaska House until a gubernatorial appointment is made through the statutory process.

Under the statutory appointment rules the governor will accept applications from qualified District 40 residents. Applicants must reside in District 40 and be at least 21 years old. Because Representative Patkotak was registered as undeclared rather than with a political party, the governor is not required to consult or receive recommendations from party committees when making the appointment. That distinction narrows the formal procedural steps the governor must follow and can affect the timing and pool of candidates considered.

The vacancy has practical consequences for local governance. While state legislative business continues, District 40 residents will lack direct representation in votes and committee work until a replacement is appointed and seated. Issues that typically affect the North Slope such as infrastructure, subsistence matters, and state fiscal decisions will proceed without a dedicated District 40 vote in the interim. The appointment therefore has immediate implications for constituent services and for which priorities carry weight in Juneau during the vacancy.

Residents interested in the seat should prepare to submit applications to the governor as the public application period is now open. Eligible applicants must confirm residency within District 40 and meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years. The governor will review the submissions as part of the statutory appointment process and select an appointee to serve the remainder of the term until voters can choose a successor.

Local leaders and voters will want to monitor the governor's timetable for selecting an appointee, and prepare to engage with candidates about regional priorities. Filling the seat will restore full representation for the North Slope in the Alaska House.