Gov. Mike Dunleavy has said that he plans to serve out the remainder of his term which effectively shuts down speculation that he may leave his post to serve in a role within the Trump administration.
“Yes, Mike, I’m staying for the next two years,” Dunleavy said during an appearance on talk radio host Mike Porcaro’s show last week. “I know there has been some talk, but the president and I have not had a discussion about a job. I really enjoy the job I have, and I look forward to helping Alaskans over the next two years.”
Speculation connected Dunleavy to a potential role to head the Interior or Energy Department under Trump, with the governor saying that he was open to discussing potential roles in the Trump administration shortly following the election.
Furthermore, Dunleavy outlined some priorities that an Interior secretary might address such as lifting restrictions on development in the National Petroleum Reserve.
Trump would ultimately tab North Dakota governor Doug Burgum for Interior and fracking company exec Chris Wright to head up the Energy Department.
“Quite honestly, the next four years, I think, are going to be some of the most interesting we’ve ever, this country will ever experience,” Dunleavy said. “I’m very optimistic.”

