The Senate Republican Caucus in the Alaska Legislature has elected Sen. Mike Cronk (R – Tok/Northway) as its new Minority Leader.

Cronk replaces former Sen. Mike Shower who served as Minority Leader before resigning from the Legislature in November to focus on his run for Lieutenant Governor as Bernadette Wilson’s running mate.

A member of the Legislature since 2021, Cronk first served in the State House as the Representative for District 36.

Prior to his public service, Cronk was a schoolteacher in Tok – experience which is now influential to his work on the Education Task Force.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the Republican Caucus,” he stated following the election. “Together, we will bring forward solutions that begin the process of building a vibrant Alaska for our kids and grandkids.”

Sen. Robb Myers (R – North Pole) will remain as Minority Whip.

“I appreciate my colleagues placing their trust in me again as Whip,” Myer stated.

While the 20-member Senate has a 11-9 majority of Republicans, several GOP lawmakers have abandoned their colleagues in order to form a 14-member bi-partisan majority coalition that has empowered Democrats while marginalizing conservative voices and the wider GOP agenda.

Those who have joined with Democrats include GOP Senators Jesse Bjorkman, Gary Stevens, Cathy Giessel, Bert Stedman and Kelly Merrick.

According to a Dec. 16 announcement, the minority caucus plans to adjust its committee assignments in order to accommodate the change in minority leadership along with providing assignments for any new members.

“The Senate Republican Caucus is looking forward to navigating the 2026 Legislative Session with new leadership at the helm, and we appreciate all of the valuable contributions from every member of the caucus,” the minority group stated.

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