The leftist majority that now controls the Alaska Legislature marched in lock step during the May 14 confirmation vote that ultimately rejected the nomination of Alaska’s Acting Attorney General Stephen Cox. The contentious joint session of both the House and Senate was marked by what appeared to be coordinated character attacks and thinly veiled suggestions that the conservative-leaning Cox was racist, reckless and woefully unfit for office.
Democrats were joined by three Republicans in successfully denying Cox’s confirmation along a 31-29 vote. GOP Senator Gary Stevens joined the Democrat majority, as did Republican Representatives Louise Stutes and Mia Costello.
Last August, Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed Cox to head up the Alaska Dept. of Law. He replaced Treg Taylor who resigned to run for governor.
Cox’s extensive experience includes serving in the first Trump Administration as a senior U.S. Department of Justice official, as a United States Attorney, and as a top lawyer in the private sector. He served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Strategy Officer at Bristol Bay Industrial, which is an investment platform of Bristol Bay Native Corporation. There, he led the company’s legal and strategic initiatives on major utility, energy and resource projects. Earlier in his career, he was a principal attorney for Apache Corporation’s Alaska operations, focusing on new oil-and-gas ventures and coordinating regulatory efforts in the Cook Inlet region.
On May 14, however, Democrat lawmakers used the confirmation vote to unleash attacks on Cox’s moral integrity and legal judgement, focusing largely on the fact that Cox has supported a number of conservative court cases aimed at curtailing problematic mail-in ballots and birthright citizenship abuse, along with his support of cases defending religious liberty.
Openly gay Rep. Andrew Gray blasted Cox for supporting a Mat-Su School District policy that prohibits gender-confused males from accessing girl’s bathrooms.
Sen. Loki Tobin claimed that the “most egregious” offense was Cox’s decision to sign onto an amicus brief in a case that challenged birthright citizenship. The hard leftist Tobin suggested that Cox’s decision was akin to joining a racist movement in America.
Sen. Forrest Dunbar echoed this sentiment, suggesting Cox was unethical and unqualified for the attorney general spot.
Those who know Cox, however, point to his strong Catholic faith and pro-life, family and freedom convictions. He is also a founding board member for the new Hillsdale-modeled classical Christian school in South Anchorage.
Despite the confirmation denial, Cox isn’t going far.
Within hours of Cox being narrowly rejected by the Legislature, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that he was appointing Cox as his new Counsel to the Governor.
A notice from Dunleavy’s office noted that despite the Legislature’s vote denying Cox the AG post, the governor trusts his “extensive legal and public policy experience and proven record of defending Alaska’s interests both at home and on the national level.”
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Cox’s new role will be to advise Dunleavy on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and constitutional matters affecting the State of Alaska.
“Stephen Cox has a strong understanding of Alaska law and the challenges facing our state,” said Governor Dunleavy. “His experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him a valuable asset as Counsel to the Governor. I look forward to working with Stephen as we continue advancing policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people of our state.”
As Counsel to the Governor, Cox will continue to work closely with the Department of Law and other executive branch departments to provide counsel on policy initiatives, legislation, and executive actions.
“I am honored to serve Governor Dunleavy and the people of Alaska in this new role,” Stephen Cox stated. “I look forward to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to promote responsible resource development, governance and opportunities for Alaskans across the state.”
