Kelly Merrick is a Republican state senator representing District L in Chugiak-Eagle River, Alaska. Born in 1975 in Juneau as Kelly Richards, she is a lifelong Alaskan, married with three children , and resides in Eagle River. Elected to the Alaska State Senate in 2022, she took office on January 17, 2023, and serves her fourth term in the legislature as Senate Majority Whip. Previously, she represented District 14 in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023.

Notable achievements include chairing Senate Finance subcommittees for the Department of Revenue, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; passing HB 304 to secure Lions Club Community Park; championing SB 118 for critical minerals development to boost national security and jobs; and helping deliver a balanced state budget without new taxes while protecting public safety and education.

Her priorities emphasize natural resource development, public safety, fiscal responsibility, government transparency, bipartisan collaboration, and economic development.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: BA in Business from Gonzaga University.
• Political Experience: Prior to the legislature, worked as a political staffer at state and congressional levels. Elected to Alaska House after defeating opponents in the Republican primary and general election. Current Senate roles: Senate Finance Committee, Labor & Commerce Committee, State Affairs Committee, Joint Armed Services Committee, and Chair of Community & Regional Affairs Committee. Also serves as manager for Alaska Blades and Alaska Blue Devils youth hockey teams.