Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has announced the appointment of Stephen J. Cox as the state’s new Attorney General, a move effective August 29, 2025. Cox, who will succeed Treg Taylor, brings a robust background encompassing senior roles in the federal government and extensive experience in the private sector, marking a significant transition for Alaska’s top legal office. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Alaska Legislature during its 2026 session.
Cox’s career trajectory highlights a deep engagement with legal, regulatory, and leadership challenges. He served in the first Trump Administration, notably as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas from June 2020 until his resignation in January 2021. In this capacity, Cox was the chief federal law enforcement officer for a 43-county region, leading a staff of over 120 prosecutors and support personnel. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives targeting violent crime, child exploitation, drug trafficking, money laundering, and public corruption, while also bolstering efforts against complex white-collar offenses. Before his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Cox held pivotal positions within the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as Deputy Associate Attorney General and Chief of Staff in the Office of the Associate Attorney General. In these roles, he was instrumental in shaping policy reforms related to corporate enforcement, regulatory oversight, and spearheaded efforts on financial and healthcare fraud matters. He also contributed to the William H. Webster Commission on the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence operations and served as a senior advisor to the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Stephen Cox brings a wealth of experience to the Attorney General’s office, and I am confident in his ability to serve Alaskans well,” Governor Dunleavy stated in a prepared announcement. “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.” The Governor further expressed his pleasure that Cox has agreed to continue his public service, anticipating collaboration to uphold justice and ensure freedom and opportunity for all Alaskans.
Beyond his federal service, Cox has substantial ties to Alaska’s professional and community landscape. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Strategy Officer at Bristol Bay Industrial (BBI), an investment platform of the Bristol Bay Native Corporation. In this capacity, he guided legal and strategic initiatives for major utility, energy, and resource projects benefiting Alaska Native shareholders. His prior Alaska-focused work includes a role as a principal attorney for Apache Corporation’s Alaska operations, concentrating on oil-and-gas ventures and regulatory coordination in the Cook Inlet region. Cox also has a history of community involvement in Anchorage, including his support for the Dominican friars’ Mission Alaska outreach ministry and his membership on the founding board of a new classical school in South Anchorage. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and earned his Juris Doctor summa cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center. He is admitted to the bar in Alaska, Texas, and the District of Columbia.
The appointment is set to become effective on August 29, 2025. The transition follows the departure of Attorney General Treg Taylor, who has led the Department of Law since 2021 and is expected to pursue a candidacy for governor. The confirmation process by the Alaska Legislature will provide an opportunity for legislators to review Cox’s qualifications and policy perspectives. Juneau Democratic Senator Jesse Kiehl, co-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted that Cox is a new figure in Alaska’s legal community. Kiehl indicated that legislators would be keen to understand Cox’s awareness of Alaska’s unique challenges, particularly in rural areas, and his approach to sensitive issues like the use of public funds for private schools, given Cox’s involvement with the Thomas More Classical School.
Cox himself expressed his honor and commitment, stating, “The duties are broad, but the role of the Attorney General begins and ends in Alaska and with its people. It is a privilege to step into this role, and I am committed to serving with fairness and justice.” His background suggests a focus on enforcement, corporate compliance, and regulatory matters, aligning with many of the state’s critical interests, from energy development to its strategic position in the West. This latest news highlights a significant shift in leadership within the state government’s legal apparatus, with Alaskans and lawmakers anticipating his confirmation hearing.
Cox’s career, spanning federal law enforcement, intricate corporate legal strategy, and a commitment to community, positions him to lead Alaska’s Department of Law. The state, situated on the western edge of North America, faces unique challenges and opportunities, making the role of its top legal official crucial. This appointment brings a seasoned legal professional to the forefront, ready to tackle the diverse legal issues impacting the Last Frontier.
