Garret Nelson, of Sutton and Steve St. Clair, of Wasilla, took the oath of office on Dec. 30, becoming the newest members of the Alaska House of Representatives.
House Republicans confirmed them following their Christmas Eve appointments by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
“I am humbled and honored to have been nominated, appointed and confirmed to represent House District 26,” Rep. St. Clair said. “I will continue to build upon the conservative values that have been established by my predecessor. District 26 has always stood for doing what is right. I will continue in that legacy and represent the people.”
Rep. Nelson echoed these sentiments.
“I am honored to represent the hard-working people of District 29,” he said. “I look forward to being part of a team that will champion resource development and long-term fiscal responsibility. Alaskans have the resources and attitude to lay a foundation for generations upon generations of prosperity, and I am thankful for the opportunity to play a part in that.”
St. Clair adds a sixth military veteran to the House Republican Caucus. For seven years he staffed the Office of Rep. Cathy Tilton. The 54-year-old husband and father of two is a retired Military Police First Sergeant, has a master’s degree in business administration and a track record of trying to reduce the state budget.
Nelson is a 41-year-old husband, father of nine and chairman of the Sutton Community Council. He has worked as a cattleman, union pipe welder, sole proprietor and salesman.
St. Clair will represent will District 26 (Wasilla), which was vacated by Cathy Tilton when Dunleavy appointed her to replace the retired Sen. Shelley Hughes, who is now running for governor.
St. Clair has lived in Wasilla for 15 years, is a retired Military Police First Sergeant, and spent seven years in Juneau as a legislative staffer for Tilton.
Nelson will represent District 29 (Sutton), which was vacated by George Rauscher, whom Dunleavy appointed to replace retired Sen. Mike Shower, who is now running for lieutenant governor.
Speaker Bryce Edgmon swore in the two new legislators at the Legislative Information Office in Anchorage. Minority Leader Rep. DeLena Johnson (R-Palmer) attended the ceremony.
“I am very pleased that our new members have business experience and have a finance background,” Johnson said. “This knowledge will be integral to establishing a fiscal plan and creating a balanced, sustainable budget during this upcoming session. I congratulate our new Valley members and warmly welcome them to the Alaska House of Representatives.”
The 34th Alaska Legislature begins its next legislative session on Jan. 20.
