By Suzanne Downing 
Rep. Mia Costello of Anchorage abruptly stepped down Saturday as Minority Leader of the House Republican Caucus after members of her own caucus informed her they no longer had the votes to support her leadership.
According to sources inside the caucus, a bloc of House Republicans told Costello this week that they had secured enough votes to install a new minority leader. Rather than force a public showdown, Costello issued a press release announcing she would step aside “effective today.”
Her statement framed the move as a thoughtful transition rather than a forced change, but those familiar with the discussions said the shift had been building for weeks as members expressed frustration over internal direction, strategy, and communication under her leadership.
Costello, who represents West Anchorage’s House District 15, said she had worked “to bring together a caucus that reflects the full breadth of Republican values across Alaska.” She added that it was “time to pass the baton” to a successor who could continue that work.
“It has been an honor to be at the helm leading our efforts as a caucus to uphold the values and principles Alaskans hold dear,” she said.
The minority leader role carries limited official authority but significant influence over messaging, committee assignments, and negotiations with the majority. In a year marked by caucus fractures and shifting alliances, the leadership seat has been increasingly difficult to hold.
Costello emphasized unity in her statement, saying House Republicans “share a commitment to serving Alaskans” and stressing that the caucus must maintain “shared purpose” to be effective.
She reaffirmed her commitment to conservative policy goals, including responsible resource development, strengthening communities, and bolstering the economy.
“My focus moving forward will be serving my district and supporting efforts that strengthen our state,” she said.
A selection process to choose the next minority leader is expected to begin in the coming days, with several members already being discussed internally as potential successors. The previous minority leader, Rep. Cathy Tilton, is now running for Senate.
She doesn’t want to be blamed and botching up her chances for future election to another public office for her failed leadership
Leaving before it gets worse
Bingo.
She couldn’t lead ten people with the runs to the restroom, and she’s sold out to the Teachers’ unions
Jamie Allard might a good minority Chair
When are Alaskan Republicans going to catch up and realize there is no such thing as unity with the Democrat Party. How did we lose two-three years, or sessions in minority status?
You are not strong enough to keep up the deceit and challenge them?
Do you Rep Nelson is drooping out. Another R gone.
Mia is a nice lady….but she has no business being in charge of a Girl Scout troop., much less anything involving people with ill intent, i.e. most legislators.
Our representative Becky Schwanke is also a VERY nice lady, she really cares and she genuinely tries very hard but she has zero political street smarts and guile. She’d be a phenomenal representative if the Republicans had a solid majority, but we don’t and we need Republican leaders who can bite and scratch and claw against the Democrats who are working feverishly to destroy our state.
Are the State Legislators, with R after their names, who joined the Democratic “minority” caucus, returning to the now “minority” Republican caucus with or without prejudice.
Alaska voters are largely conservative or Republican as evidenced not only by the current President, but our U S Congressional team all have an ” R”
behind their names.
When will Alaska State party leadership require the stray sheep return to the Republican umbrella. How will the now Republican State “Minority” caucus return to being the ruling “Majjority” that was voted for by their constituents?
She voted to overturn the Governor’s veto on the education bill. The Republicans don’t want someone not following orders.
Yes Bob because the democrats are REAL accepting of anyone who breaks ranks. Regular readers of Suzanne know you’re a leftist but you could occasionally produce less inane comments.