[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]*
On Thursday, Governor Mike Dunleavy announced that Stephen J. Cox will become the attorney general (AG) of Alaska, effective Friday, August 29. Cox will replace Alaska AG Treg Taylor, who announced earlier this month that he would be stepping down to run for governor in the state’s 2026 general election.
Cox brings extensive experience in both federal service and the private sector, having served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas in 2020. During his tenure, he led a team of more than 120 personnel, overseeing the prosecution of federal crimes and civil cases, and launching initiatives to address violent crime, child exploitation, and drug trafficking.
In his recent role as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Strategy Officer at Bristol Bay Industrial, an investment platform of Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Cox spearheaded legal and strategic initiatives on significant utility, energy, and resource projects that provided benefits to BBNC’s Alaska Native shareholders. Earlier in his career, starting in 2011, Cox served as corporate counsel for Apache Corporation’s Alaska operations, focusing on new oil and gas ventures and coordinating regulatory efforts in the Cook Inlet region.
Dunleavy stated, “Stephen Cox brings a wealth of experience to the Attorney General’s office, and I am confident in his ability to serve Alaskans well. From his service in the U.S. Department of Justice to his leadership on complex work here in Alaska, Stephen has demonstrated a wide breadth of experience and steadfast dedication to the rule of law.” He added, “Stephen brings a proven record of service and commitment to Alaska. I am pleased that he has agreed to continue his public service as Alaska’s Attorney General, and I look forward to working with him to uphold justice and ensure freedom and opportunity for all Alaskans.”
Cox holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Texas A&M University and graduated summa cum laude with a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.
*Senior Government Relations Manager
