Judge to allow certification of Alaska lawmaker’s reelection

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska judge said Wednesday he would lift an order that had blocked elections officials from certifying Rep. David Eastman as the winner of his state House race after ruling last month that Eastman, who is a member of the far-right group Oath Keepers, is eligible to hold the seat.

Superior Court Judge Jack McKenna made the comments during a brief hearing, a day after the plaintiff in the case challenging Eastman’s eligibility filed notice that he would not appeal McKenna’s December ruling that found that Eastman is not disqualified from holding office.

Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, won reelection in November but McKenna had earlier ordered that certification of the election be delayed pending trial and further order from the court. The trial, overseen by McKenna, was held last month.

The new legislative session begins Jan. 17.