A formal request to sanction and censure State Senator Jesse Bjorkman has been filed with the Alaska Republican Party by constituents in House Districts 7 and 8, citing violations of party rules and conduct unbecoming of a Republican elected official. A joint district hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 3, at 5 p.m. at Paradisos Restaurant in Kenai, where voting members will deliberate on the charges.
The six-page complaint, submitted in May 2025 and obtained by KSRM, outlines three main allegations against Senator Bjorkman:
- Violation of the Republican Party Platform – The complaint asserts that Bjorkman supported legislation, including House Bill 57 (referred to by some Republicans as the “Big Brother Bill”), that contradicts key platform principles such as individual liberty and limited government. District 27 Republicans previously passed a resolution opposing the bill, urging Governor Dunleavy to veto it.
- Joining a Non-Republican Majority Caucus – The complaint states that Senator Bjorkman is part of a bipartisan Senate majority composed of a supermajority of non-Republicans (9 non-Republicans to 5 Republicans), a move the complainants claim is in direct violation of ARP rules prohibiting participation in coalitions where Republicans are not the majority.
- Conduct Detrimental to the Party – Citing radio interviews, constituent complaints, and statements from fellow lawmakers, the complaint accuses Bjorkman of making false or misleading public statements and damaging the public image of the Republican Party. Notably, the document references a dispute between Bjorkman and Senator Mike Shower about alleged collaboration on an election integrity bill—claims which Shower refuted on air.
The complaint calls for immediate censure and sanctions, including revoking ARP support, barring event participation, and actively recruiting challengers for any future elections Bjorkman pursues. It also suggests Bjorkman change his party affiliation to one that better reflects his voting record and values.
Under the Alaska Republican Party’s Article VII rules, complaints must be heard by the official’s district committees, with notice provided at least 15 days in advance. Senator Bjorkman was formally notified of the charges on June 17 via a hand-delivered letter from District Chair Jeff Reveal. As of this writing, he has not responded publicly or confirmed whether he will attend the July 3 hearing.
The meeting is open to voting members of Districts 7 and 8—those serving as precinct leaders or district officers—who are encouraged to attend and cast votes on the matter. A detailed schedule of the hearing is expected to be released prior to the event.
Bjorkman, a Republican senator representing the central Kenai Peninsula, was elected in 2022 and has since served on several legislative committees.
For more information, district members are advised to contact their local party leadership or attend the hearing at Paradisos on July 3.
2025-06 Request to Sanction-Censure Sen Bjorkman