Three GOP Senators Signal Exit From Alaska Bipartisan Caucus
Departures would shrink the bipartisan Senate majority from 14 seats to 11 as Jesse Bjorkman is picked as the caucus's next leader.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Political Parties
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Sens. Bert Stedman, Kelly Merrick and Jesse Bjorkman, all Republicans, signaled a move to leave Alaska's bipartisan Senate caucus, which holds 14 of the chamber's 20 seats. Bjorkman was selected as the caucus's next leader.
Why it matters
If the departures and two expected House-to-Senate wins proceed, the bipartisan caucus would hold 11 seats, reshaping control of the Alaska State Senate. Bjorkman said Senate leadership chose to assemble the most liberal majority possible, while Sen. Cathy Giessel said the caucus focuses on working Alaskans, affordability, energy and long-term vision.
The bipartisan caucus holds 14 of 20 Senate seats and would fall to 11 if the three departures and two expected House-to-Senate wins proceed. Twenty of the 40 House seats are called for the bipartisan caucus, 6 for the all-Republican caucus, with 14 races outstanding and 21 needed for a majority.
The players
Jesse Bjorkman
Republican state senator from Nikiski who was selected as the bipartisan caucus's next leader after signaling his departure from the group.
Cathy Giessel
Republican state senator from Anchorage and incoming Senate President who backed a Senate majority excluding conservative Republicans in leadership.
Bert Stedman
Republican state senator from Sitka who signaled a move to depart Alaska's bipartisan Senate caucus.
Kelly Merrick
Republican state senator from Eagle River who signaled a move to depart Alaska's bipartisan Senate caucus.
The details
Sens. Stedman, Merrick and Bjorkman signaled they will leave the bipartisan caucus, while Sens. Cathy Giessel and Rep. Louise Stutes, both Republicans, chose to support a Senate majority excluding conservative Republicans in leadership. Giessel, the incoming Senate President, commented to the press by phone on the caucus majority.
Timeline
• November 12, 2026: Outgoing Gov. Dunleavy commented on the election shift in Washington D.C., and Giessel spoke to the press on the caucus majority.
Political Context
The move departs from Alaska's bipartisan legislative coalitions, which have governed the Senate and House across party lines. Critics of the bipartisan model argue it sidelines conservative Republicans, while Giessel says the caucus is focused on working Alaskans, affordability and energy.
The caucus shift could change which bills reach the floor and how committees are staffed, affecting state budget and policy decisions Alaskans depend on. Residents tracking legislation should watch the leadership vote and the outcome of the uncalled Senate and House races.
The takeaway
Leadership control in Alaska's Senate can shift quickly when a caucus loses members, making coalition math central to what passes. Readers should follow the final certified results to see how the chamber is ultimately divided.
Further reading
Explore more on Alaska political parties and how legislative coalitions are forming.
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