Yesterday, Republican Steve Menard filed a letter of intent to run against Representative Jesse Sumner (R – Wasilla). Menard, who lost to Sumner in 2022, worked for Sumner during this year’s legislative session.

There’s been speculation that Sumner would not seek re-election due to his family and construction business. But the day after Menard filed his letter of intent, Sumner filed a letter of intent for re-election.

When asked what he thought about his former staffer filing to run against him, Sumner told the Landmine, “I think he would make a pretty decent house representative.” Menard did not respond to calls and text messages asking for comment about why he filed to run.

Last year, four Republicans filed to run for the open seat that was a result of redistricting. Menard finished narrowly ahead of Sumner in the primary.

But Sumner soundly defeated Menard 61% to 38% in the general election after votes were retabulated. The race was one of the seven House races (there are 40 total) where a candidate did not receive 50% plus 1 of the vote in the first round – resulting in votes being retabulated using the new ranked choice voting system.

Prior to serving in the Legislature, Sumner served on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly. Sumner became a member of the House majority in his first session when Republicans took back control of the chamber for the first time in six years. He currently serves as chair of the House Labor & Commerce Committee.

Menard served on the Wasilla City Council over a decade ago. But he was recalled after setting a Sitka hotel room on fire and urinating on two mattresses while attending a meeting of the Alaska Municipal League.

There is currently an attempt to repeal the new open primary and ranked choice system voting through a ballot initiative. But even if the group gets the required signatures, the question will be on the November ballot. So the new open primary and ranked choice voting will be used in next year’s election regardless of the repeal effort.

The filing deadline to run for the Legislature is June 1. The next legislative session begins on January 16, 2024. Legislators are barred from fundraising while the Legislature is in session.