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In a historic vote, Alaska lawmakers rejected Stephen Cox as the state’s new attorney general by a 29-31 vote that saw Cox become just the second cabinet appointment in state history to fail confirmation.
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Thirty-one votes were needed for confirmation as the 40-person state House and 20-person state Senate met jointly Thursday to vote on a swath of nominations for state boards and commissions.
Speaking in the Capitol on Thursday, opponents said they viewed Cox as a Republican ideologue who favored party-supported policies at the expense of Alaskans. In particular, opponents pointed to Cox’s support for a lawsuit that could end birthright citizenship and his failure to support the state’s absentee voting program.
Supporters said Cox was qualified for the job, with extensive legal experience.
The Legislature’s rejection is likely to have limited long-term effects. Gov. Mike Dunleavy will be permitted to appoint a replacement who may serve until Dunleavy is replaced by a new governor in December.
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The governor’s other cabinet appointees received wide support and were confirmed by near-unanimous votes.
Lawmakers have not rejected a cabinet appointment since they did so in 2009, when the Legislature rejected Wayne Anthony Ross as then-Gov. Sarah Palin’s choice to become attorney general.
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This article will be updated.
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