Bill Walker was sworn in as Alaska’s new governor today. Walker, who was previously a Republican, is the first Alaskan governor without a political affiliation while serving as governor. All previous governors had been a Republican or Democrat with the exception of the late former Governor Wally Hickel who was a part of the Alaskan Independence Party for one of his terms.
Walker was elected in November with his running mate, Democrat Bryon Mallott. They defeated Governor Sean Parnell and Lieutenant Governor candidate and Mayor of Anchorage Dan Sullivan.