House Republicans settle leadership, realign committees as session nears

House Republicans have set their leadership lineup and shuffled committee seats ahead of the Alaska Legislature’s return on Jan. 20, with changes aimed at positioning the caucus for a busy second session of the 34th Legislature.

The caucus once again chose Rep. DeLena Johnson of Palmer as minority leader and Rep. Justin Ruffridge of Soldotna as minority whip. These two were earlier voted by their colleagues into these positions, but this latest vote, taken after two new members were seated, reaffirms the choice. Both will also serve on the House Energy Committee.

Johnson’s move into leadership means she will leave the House Finance Committee after five years. Her seat there will be filled by Rep. Elexie Moore of Wasilla.

Other committee changes were also announced:

Rep. Mike Prax of Fairbanks will take a seat on the House Resources Committee, which handles legislation related to oil, gas, mining, and land use.

Freshman lawmakers Rep. Steve St. Clair of Wasilla and Rep. Garret Nelson of Sutton will both serve on the House Transportation Committee and the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee, panels that deal with infrastructure, local government, and community issues. St. Clair will also sit on the House State Affairs Committee.

Rep. Ruffridge will join the House Tribal Affairs Committee, while Johnson will take a spot on the House Rules Committee, which controls the movement of bills to the House floor.

In addition, Rep. Julie Coulombe of Anchorage is set to join the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee once her name is formally forwarded to the Speaker and approved.

All of the assignments are provisional until the House adopts the Committee on Committees report when lawmakers convene on Jan. 20, the formal step that finalizes committee memberships for the session.