On Friday afternoon, the Alaska State Democrats posted an open application for Representative Zach Fansler’s seat. The legislator stepped down last week following assault allegations, and his resignation is effective February 12.
The party is looking for a House District 38 resident and registered Democrat to replace Fansler in the State House. The application asks candidates if they would vote with the party’s House Majority Coalition and could start work in Juneau immediately.
Aspiring legislators will also need to explain how they would protect rural school funding, what they think should be done about Alaska’s fiscal crisis, and whether they support tribal self-determination. Applicants will be subject to a vetting process through publicly available documents, and they will need to disclose sources of income, loans, debts, and leases for both themselves and their spouses.
Potential candidates must submit their applications online by February 16 at 5:00 p.m. They will then be contacted by House District 38’s nominating committee for further questions. That committee must forward the names of three nominees to Governor Walker by March 5, although he is not obligated to pick any of the candidates they recommend.
The Governor will announce Fansler’s replacement by March 14.