"bipartisan coalition"

That means the state House will flip from Republican-led majority control and have a new speaker, according to a news release.

The vote was the latest action in a stalemate that’s preventing Alaska’s House of Representatives from beginning work this session.

State Rep. Gary Knopp said a bipartisan coalition would act as a counterweight to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, while an all-Republican caucus wouldn’t.

Candidates question party loyalty in Bethel-area House race

Primary challengers say it’s important for majority-caucus Republicans to maintain party discipline, but some lawmakers say focusing on constituents’ needs can conflict with the party line.

There’s a long history of rural legislators joining majority caucuses, regardless of the party.