PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Fansler resigns in wake of allegations

JUNEAU — On Friday, Representative Zach Fansler submitted a letter of resignation to Speaker of the House Rep. Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham). Speaker Edgmon and the Alaska House Majority Coalition had requested his resignation upon learning of allegations that he committed an act of physical violence against a woman in his hotel room.

“Calling for Rep. Fansler’s resignation was the right thing to do given the severity of his alleged actions, but that does not mean that it was an easy thing to do because Zach was a committed and effective legislator for the people of House District 38. I also considered him a valuable member of our Coalition,” said Speaker Edgmon. “The circumstances that warranted Rep. Fansler’s resignation were unfortunate and show the problems in our state with domestic violence and alcohol abuse. I want to thank Rep. Fansler for his service. I also want to thank all of the victims who have braved so much in coming forward. We can all take heart in their bravery.”

Rep. Fansler was elected to represent the people of District 38 in November of 2016. His resignation from the Alaska Legislature will take effect on February 12, 2018.

“Our Coalition has shown a steadfast resolve to hold our members to the highest standards of conduct because that’s what the people of Alaska expect from their elected representatives,” said House Majority Leader Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage). “While Representative Fansler was well liked and respected, his actions were counter to our shared values. We felt the decisive action of calling for his resignation had to be taken to maintain the public trust. We are all accountable to the people of Alaska, and I want to thank Rep. Fansler for stepping up and being accountable to the people of his district. He always wanted to do the right thing for his district and Alaska. Rep. Fansler’s decision to resign further proves it. I would like to let the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim District know that your District 38 office is still conducting business and staff remains available and working on your behalf.”