MAY 3, 1961

YUP’IK BRYCE EDGMON BORN–1^ST NATIVE ALASKAN SPEAKER OF THE ALASKAN HOUSE

Born in Dillingham, Alaska (AK), Bryce fished commercially for over 20 years and was a chairman of the board of Choggiung Ltd., the AK Native village corporation for Dillingham, Ekuk, and Portage Creek. Edgmon received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of AK, Anchorage. In 2006, he challenged incumbent Carl Moses in the Democratic primary for the 37^th District House seat. The men tied and the election was settled by a coin toss that Edgmon won. After his party won 17 seats in 2016, 2 Independents & 3 moderate Republicans chose to caucus with the Democrats, elevating him to Speaker of the House. He is the first AK Native to hold the position serving in that capacity from 2017-21. Edgmon, now an independent, served on the following committees: Health & Social Services (vice chair); Committee on Committees (chair); and Commerce, Community & Economic Development; Legislative Council; and Arctic Policy and Economic Development & Tourism (member).

Sources:

“Alaska's former House speaker Rep. Bryce Edgmon on current disorganization: 'We just don't know',” Alaska Public Media.  Retrieved 10/9/2023, Alaska's former House speaker Rep. Bryce Edgmon on current disorganization: 'We just don't know' - Alaska Public Media

“Bryce E. Edgmon.” Ballotpedia.  Retrieved 10/9/2023, Bryce E. Edgmon - Ballotpedia

Wikipedia

Photo:  Aleutian Evolution, 1/24/2013. Permissive Use.