Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly member James Baisden has announced plans to resign from his District 1 seat this fall, citing increasing personal obligations that will prevent him from fully engaging in the role.
In a formal letter dated July 8, Baisden submitted his resignation to Assembly President Brent Ribbons and fellow members, stating his term will end effective October 19, 2025. That timeline allows the borough to include the Kalifornsky seat in this year’s regular municipal election, scheduled for October 7.
“My decision is due to increased personal commitments which will prevent me from attending meetings regularly and fulfilling the responsibilities of this role,” Baisden wrote. He added that giving advance notice will allow the Borough Clerk time to notify the public and ensure a smooth election process.
Baisden, who was elected unopposed in November 2023, has a long history of public service in the region, including time on the Kenai City Council and as chief of the Nikiski Fire Service Area. The Kalifornsky seat covers a large swath of the central peninsula, bordered by Kenai and Soldotna and extending from Cook Inlet east to Sport Lake.
By coordinating his resignation with the borough election schedule, Baisden avoids the need for an interim appointment to fill the seat. The person elected in October will serve out the remainder of his term, which runs through October 2027.
“Serving the residents of District-1 and the Kenai Peninsula Borough has been a privilege,” Baisden wrote. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this Assembly and Borough Mayor.”
The borough will accept declarations of candidacy for the Kalifornsky seat during the regular filing period, August 1–15.
KPB Resignation Letter - Baisden