Walker picks Shower to fill Dunleavy’s vacated Senate Seat

JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker has appointed Mike Shower of Wasilla to represent District E in the Alaska Senate.

Shower was selected from a list of names forwarded by Republicans in the district to the Governor for consideration after previous candidates were rejected. Shower is a Republican who rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during two decades of service as a pilot in the United States Air Force, and he currently flies for FedEx.

“With this appointment, the people of Senate District E will get the full representation they deserve in the Legislature,” Governor Walker said.

Walker’s previous appointment of Randall Kowalke was rejected by the Senate Majority. Walker then selected Tom Braund from the list of nominees vetted and approved by the Alaska Republican Party.

Braund, citing personal reasons, withdrew his name from consideration after radical social media posts of his became public.

The Governor said his administration was not aware of Mr. Braund’s controversial social media posts which would have disqualified him from consideration.

Senate President Pete Kelly (R-Fairbanks) issued the following statement in response to Walker’s appointment of Shower to represent Senate District E.

“We appreciate the governor’s prompt selection of Mr. Mike Shower from the candidate list provided by the Republicans of Senate District E. The Senate Republicans will meet soon to consider the appointment,” Kelly said.