Career
He represented District C as a Democrat from 2005 through January 2013. Kookesh received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington in 1976 and is a commercial fisherman, also owning and operating a lodge and market. He is on the board of directors of the Sealaska Corporation and is a co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives.
His earlier professional positions included Business Manager, Executive VP, and Acting President/Chief Executive Officer for Kootznoowoo Incorporated.
In 2010 a legislative review found Kookesh to be in violation of state ethics policies following allegations that he used political influence to keep a city council from opposing a lands bill pushed by the Native corporation by which he is employed.
He lost the 2012 election to fellow incumbent Bert Stedman after the Alaska Redistricting Board placed him in a district that was vastly different from his former bush district.