West Anchorage Representative Lindsey Holmes announced Saturday that she changed her party registration from Democrat to Republican and has also joined the House Majority Caucus and will have a seat on the House Finance Committee. She said on Saturday that it is a decision she has been thinking about for a long time.
"I think in a lot of ways it has been something I've been moving toward for the entire six years I've been in the legislature. I've realized over time, working with members on a number of the issues, particularly economic development issues, I've found common vision with members of the majority," said Holmes.
The news does not sit well with the Alaska Democratic Party. In a press release, party chair-elect Mike Wenstrup voiced frustration with the news of Holmes' party switch.
"Rep. Holmes has deceived the voters of her district. She should have been honest about her intentions. If she intended to serve as a Republican, she should have run as a Republican," said Wenstrup.
Holmes sponsored at least 4 pre-filed bills for the upcoming 28th legislature session, including HB 56 – passenger vehicle rental tax, HB 57 – entity transactions act, HB 17 – student loan principal reductions, and HB 44 – advance health care directives registry.
She was first elected to office in 2006.
