Dean Westlake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dean Westlake
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Nuna
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| Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 40th District |
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| In office January 17, 2017 – December 25, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Benjamin Nageak |
| Succeeded by | John Lincoln |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 8, 1960 Noorvik, Alaska, U.S. |
| Died | August 21, 2022 (aged 62) Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Dean Westlake (January 8, 1960 – August 21, 2022) was an American politician from Alaska. His name in Iñupiaq was Nuna. He served in the Alaska House of Representatives during 2017. He represented the 40th District, which covers Alaska's North Slope region. Westlake was a member of the Democratic Party. This political party works to represent the interests of the people.
Contents
Becoming a Representative
Running for Office
Dean Westlake first tried to become a representative in 2014. He ran against Benjamin Nageak in the Democratic primary election. A primary election is how a political party chooses its main candidate. Westlake did not win this first election.
He ran again in 2016. This time, he won against Benjamin Nageak. It was a very close election. The results were even challenged in court.
Court Challenge and Victory
A lower court first said that 50 votes should not count. These votes were from Shungnak, a small community. Most people in Shungnak had voted for Westlake.
However, the Alaska Supreme Court changed this decision. The Supreme Court said the votes should count. This made Dean Westlake the winner of the election. He then ran in the general election without anyone running against him.
Resignation from Office
In December 2017, Dean Westlake decided to resign from his position. He stepped down due to personal challenges. His resignation became official on December 25, 2017.
Choosing a New Representative
When a representative resigns, a new person must be chosen. The Democratic Party leaders in District 40 had to find new candidates. They sent three names to the governor of Alaska.
Governor Bill Walker interviewed these three people. But he did not choose any of them. Instead, Governor Walker picked John Lincoln. Lincoln worked for the NANA Regional Corporation in Kotzebue.
The House Democrats then officially approved John Lincoln. He took over the seat on January 26, 2018.
Later Life and Passing
Dean Westlake passed away on August 21, 2022. He was 62 years old. He died at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.
