The Alaska Center endorses candidates who most align with our vision and who will fight for clean air and water, healthy salmon and communities, and a strong democracy. These candidates have a chance to make our elected bodies take the critical action needed to create a thriving, just, and sustainable future.
We advocate on multiple levels of government, including Utility Cooperative Board of Directors, Municipal Elections, and Statewide Elections. We endorse leaders who have influence over the issues we work on.
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Alaska State House Endorsed candidates
Why they're running:
I was motivated to run for and serve in public office for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, my community is important to me, and I believe that one of the key functions of government is to work to enrich the lives of people while not intruding on the lives of people. This enrichment comes by way of robust support programs for veterans, our most vulnerable, and small business development. I believe how we pay for these initiatives is by responsible resources management and ensuring that the wealth of Alaska stays in Alaska which means protecting the things that will provide prosperity to generations to come. As well, due to the unique geographical characteristic of the state, I believe it is critical to ensure that every Alaskan is given as many options, tools, and resources to be able to exercise their vote and that every Alaskan’s voice is heard.
Why they're running:
As a lifelong Alaskan, I am running for office because I care about the communities in House District 1. For the past seven years, I have been the Executive Director of Women In Safe Homes (WISH) a sexual assault/domestic violence shelter.
While at WISH, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles families, individuals and businesses face. Residents across the state have been hurt from a lack of access to mental health services, affordable housing, and functioning public benefits.
As Executive Director of WISH, I have experience addressing these issues. I obtained funding to put mental health counselors in Ketchikan and Metlakatla schools. I secured funding to move homeless families into stable housing. I worked with regional law enforcement agencies on grant programs to assist with officer retention.
I am running for office because I know the challenges facing our communities, and I have a track record of addressing these problems.
Why they're running:
The Alaska I would like to create for generations to come is the Alaska I fell in love with as a young person: rich, intact natural habitats, thriving marine fisheries and salmon runs, and a collective sense of optimism for the future. I am eager to continue serving the incredible and resilient coastal communities and people of Southeast Alaska, and all Alaskans, by ensuring timely and stable public funding for schools and essential programs, pursuing sustainable development of infrastructure, and providing community-based public safety everywhere it's needed. All of this is possible within a balanced budget, including a sustainable dividend.
Elevating the voice of Alaska's Tribes is critical to my vision of Alaska. I am committed to considering each idea on its merits and proudly serve as a non-partisan: I make decisions based on what is good for Alaskans and the critical infrastructure and wild places that sustain us.
Why they're running:
I am motivated to run and serve because the Legislature is so close to some considerable achievements. I want to be a part of this tripartisan collaboration. One achievement is securing a permanent Base Student Allocation increase in education funding. Another is to re-establish a guaranteed pension for our essential human infrastructure. These two are both critically important for building an educated workforce to fulfill our state employee and private industry job positions and for informed active citizens necessary for a healthy democracy. Our high job vacancy rates affect our economy, private and public businesses, and services. Individuals and businesses want good schools and public health and safety. This includes clean air and water as a part of public health and safety. Other desired achievements include increasing renewable energy projects, passing renewable energy standards, and enforcing transboundary environmental protections as a part of keeping Alaska the beautiful place that it is.
Why they're running:
I am running for public office because of my deep commitment to Alaskans and Alaska's Future. My vision for Alaska is one where sustainable development, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. I will work diligently to protect clean air, clean water, and salmon habitats, and plan to address climate change through innovative solutions. We can build a robust economy by promoting renewable energy and safeguarding our natural resources. Supporting a strong democracy is vital to ensure lasting change. Let's build the future together, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable Alaska for future generations.
Why they're running:
I’m running because the future of the state I love is being threatened by the extremist views of my opponent, Julie Coloumbe. Julie ran as a moderate in 2022, narrowly winning the seat by 112 votes. However, her time in office has shown she is out of touch with Alaskans and Alaska’s Republican party. The legislature failed to accomplish two crucial tasks this year—restoring Alaska's top-tier public education system and addressing our fiscal crisis—largely due to Julie. Her vote upheld the Governor's veto of a bipartisan step towards education funding. I believe our public education system is the cornerstone of a strong democracy, now threatened by politicians like Julie Coloumbe, who actively work to divert public funds to private religious schools.
I understand the importance of protecting Alaska's natural beauty. My journey with Alaska began in 1966 when, as an eleven-year-old, I moved with my family from Montana to the village of Kwethluk. My parents were schoolteachers, and we later settled in Akiachak. Those early years in rural Alaska taught me about hard work and community spirit. Living in Akiachak, I completed my education through correspondence courses while immersing myself in Alaska's rich cultural tapestry. I had a dog team, learned to hunt and fish, and formed lifelong friendships. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for Alaska's unique way of life and the opportunities it offers to those willing to work hard.
My greatest strength is my ability to build relationships, and I will use this to work towards a common vision and solutions to Alaska's challenges. I will bring my decades of experience as a leader in business, local government, and civic organizations to advocate for our shared vision for Alaska’s future: lowering the cost of living, making smart government investments, ensuring exceptional schools, reducing government intervention in personal matters, and developing a stable, sustainable fiscal plan.
Why they're running:
Alaska's best days lie ahead. I've worked tirelessly to address the key issues facing Alaskans. I know that together, we can continue making progress to ensure a better quality of life for Alaska's students, workers families, and seniors.
Alaska is facing a looming energy crisis requiring innovation and strategic investments. I have worked to diversify Alaska's energy and promote reliable and affordable energy. I've supported net-metering, community solar, the Green Bank, upgrading our electrical grid and making record investments in renewable projects across Alaska.
To ensure a bright future for Alaska, we must protect democracy, and ensure every eligible Alaskan has a voice in our democracy. I've introduced legislation to remove barriers and ensure access to Alaska's democratic process, and to reinstate, fair, reasonable, and constitutional campaign contribution limits strengthening our elections and democratic process is essential to the future of Alaska and our government.
Why they're running:
I was motivated to run for public office because I was raised in a household where we learned that public service was honorable work of the highest order. Added to this, I have always known that Alaska has no national rivals when it comes to beauty combined with expanse and untrammeled spaces, all worthy of protection and care. My vision for Alaska is for resource development that has the lightest "touch" possible and that does not permanently and irrevocably change Alaska's natural heritage of clean water, land, and air.
Why they're running:
I am motivated to serve Alaska because of my deep love for my home state and my desire to foster a future Alaska that my children and grandchildren will choose to call their home. As a survivor of a dysfunctional family, I was empowered by my community and my teachers to break the cycle, embrace an optimistic approach to problem-solving, and advocate for change. As a public figure forging bipartisan collaboration, I've successfully fought for improved public education funding and policies that benefit Alaskan families.
My vision for Alaska is clear: A place where people believe they can live their best lives, raise their families, and enjoy the natural beauty and wonder around them. I aim to protect our environment while growing our economy. A robust democracy, where every voice is valued, is fundamental to achieving these goals and fostering prosperity statewide.
As a freshman legislator, I was honored to serve on the House Finance Committee, where I advocated passionately for predictable, consistent, and adequate funding for public education, a competitive retirement plan for public employees, and a sustainable long-term fiscal plan for Alaska. My motivation to run for re-election comes from my unwavering commitment to continue this important work and further serve the interests of our community.
Why they're running:
I am a proud husband, father, and lifelong Alaskan, and am running to help ensure that Alaskans today and tomorrow have a bright and prosperous future in our great state. To accomplish this, ensuring our students and educators have the support they need to provide a high-quality education is essential — which is key to building an effective workforce, economy, and an engaged informed electorate. Alaska must continue to diversify our energy grid, and support both traditional energy sources and move forward on renewable clean energy projects across Alaska that will not only help mitigate climate change but provide reliable and affordable energy at stable prices for decades to come. Alaska has historically had some of the best standards for habitat and wildlife preservation. Recent crashes in salmon and other species have been devastating for Alaskans who rely on them for subsistence, culture, sport, or for their livelihood. The state must do better.
Why they're running:
I am motivated to run for public office by my deep-rooted commitment to public service and my love for Alaska. Growing up in a family dedicated to serving others, I learned the importance of community and the power of leadership. My vision for Alaska is one where we prioritize the well-being of our people and our environment. Clean water and air are fundamental rights, and protecting our salmon habitat is essential for both our economy and our culture. Addressing climate change is crucial for preserving our state's natural beauty and resources for future generations. Additionally, a strong democracy is the backbone of a thriving community where every voice is heard and every citizen is empowered. I am dedicated to creating a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive Alaska that honors its past and innovates for its future.
Why they're running:
What motivated me to run: Alaska is unique in so many ways. We have a strong middle class, long traditions of bipartisanship at the state legislature, and the most vital Indigenous communities in the United States. The strength of our middle class, a functioning state democracy, Indigenous organizations and culture are inextricably related to this incredible place we call home, and it is very much worth fighting for.
Why they're running:
As a lifelong Alaskan, co-creator of the Permanent Fund Dividend, and now legislator, I have worked hard to make Alaska prosperous and sustainable. We need good roads, effective schools, and reliable public safety to help Alaskans thrive. My priorities include: keeping our state strong by saving the Permanent Fund and the Permanent Fund Dividend while diversifying our revenues and balancing our budget; making Alaska affordable through reducing the costs of energy, health care, and housing; and fighting for a robust democracy responsive to all Alaskans. I have also prioritized planning for the future and mitigating the effects of climate change by seeking renewable energy alternatives to our dwindling supply of fossil fuels and opposing projects, such as the Pebble Mine, that threaten our natural environment and the Alaskan way of life.
Why they're running:
Genevieve is a lifelong Alaskan, community advocate, and proud daughter of Filipino immigrants running for re-election to represent House District 19 (Anchorage neighborhoods of Airport Heights, Mountain View, and Russian Jack) in the Alaska Legislature. In her first term, she has been one of the most effective freshman legislators, passing three bipartisan policies to improve SNAP, health care, and celebrate Alaska's diversity. Genevieve has nearly a decade of political and community experience, staffing elected officials in the Anchorage Assembly and Alaska Legislature, leading the Alaska Young Democrats, working as a nonprofit communications professional, and serving on multiple boards.
Why they're running:
I initially ran for office to address the housing crisis in Anchorage, but serving in the Alaska State House has expanded my focus. We must improve the lives of those who are struggling. My vision for Alaska is one in which everyone has decent housing, food, education, and opportunity. Climate change impacts the economically disadvantaged more severely and long before the wealthy. Look at our villages having to be relocated because they are literally falling into the water. Climate change is also warming our waters and making them more acidic which is contributing to our declining salmon. Salmon are essential to the subsistence lifestyle that folks across Alaska live. We must save our salmon habitat, and along with that we must save our democracy. If our democracy fails, poor people will become poorer; our children will have far less opportunity than we did. We cannot allow this to happen.
Why they're running:
I'm grateful to be seeing re-election for the Alaska Legislature. I have been involved with advocacy work my entire career. It started with recycling advocacy for the (then) Alaska Center for the Environment, which evolved into work as Anchorage's recycling coordinator, and the development of a local recycling industry where I am currently employed. My advocacy work then turned to supporting candidates who held my values, and then more engagement on a very local level with my community council. When the opportunity came to run for office, I quickly realized that my career in infrastructure development and advocacy is an ideal foundational experience for the legislature. My vision is that Alaskans have easy access to local food, healthcare, education, clean energy, voting, and the legislative process. It is imperative that we are smart about upcoming infrastructure development and be thoughtful about projects that are climate resilient and promote environmental justice.
Why they're running:
I have dedicated my life to public service and find such work meaningful. This work has included natural resource management, education, municipal planning, and previous elected office. I have been motivated by the hostile politics I have observed, and the lack of long-term planning by many current politicians. Likewise, I have been inspired by leaders who have put people first in an effort to build a "more perfect union".
My vision for Alaska is one that bolsters the state's strengths, especially its expansive wilderness, breathtaking beauty, and high quality of life. I seek a high environmental quality coupled with infrastructure investments that not only attract outside tourists, but also attracts and retains people who want to live here, work here, raise families here, and stay here after retirement.
Robust fish and wildlife populations, coexisting and functioning, intact ecosystems, are part of that high quality of life. To maximize Alaska's future we must plan now to take actions that maintain our ecological assets while mitigating and adapting to the changes that climate change will impose upon our arctic state.
Why they're running:
I am running because my community deserves representation in the Alaska House that will work to address critical issues like clean water and air, healthy salmon habitat, climate change, and a strong democracy which the incumbent in my race and the Governor only give lip service to. Further, the State of Alaska has starved education by flat-funding it for many years. We are driving teachers and public safety professionals away from Alaska because our jobs are not competitive because of a lack of defined benefits. Alaska's housing crisis, particularly in Southcentral, is a disaster. A centerpiece in any long-term planning for Alaska includes protecting our environment and rehabilitating our salmon stocks. Clean water and air, healthy salmon habitats, proactive climate action, and a strong democracy are not isolated goals but interconnected pillars that support a resilient and prosperous future for our state.
Why they're running:
As a lifelong Fairbanksan, I've always cared very deeply about the well-being of our community–as a teacher and mom–particularly when it comes to education. I witnessed firsthand the impact that inadequate funding of schools had on our students. This experience fueled my desire to make a broader impact beyond the classroom. In 2022, I decided to run for office because I believe that Fairbanks deserves leadership that prioritizes the needs of its people. The hardworking families of this district deserve policies that prioritize Alaskans, including investments in education and economic opportunity through good paying jobs. I believe that goes hand in hand with ensuring Alaskans continue to benefit from the fish and wildlife that have sustained people on this land for thousands of years. My vision for Alaska is that we put party politics aside and work across the aisle to do whatever it takes to lead our state forward.
Why they're running:
We live in a state where you can pursue Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range, Sockeye on the Russian River, caribou on the Steese, coastal Brown Bear, and Grayling on the Clearwater all in one summer. It's hard to imagine living anywhere else, and I want to ensure these opportunities are available for future generations as resource development occurs in the state.
I believe my experiences, interests, and values align with many residents, particularly in my district. We hunt, fish, burn wood, haul water, and have back-up systems for the inevitable long-term power outages.
We are resilient. We are strong. We love our state. We are Alaskan.
Why they're running:
As a fourth generation and lifelong Alaskan, I want to see an Alaska that is inclusive and thriving. In 2022, with support from organizations like the Alaska Center and the voters of House District 35, I was elected to the State House. I have used my experience and energy to hit the ground running in Juneau as your All In For Alaska Representative. My priorities remain the same; promoting Alaska’s economic future, preserving access to education, and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Alaskans. I am proud of the work that my office accomplished during my first term, including passing several bills and serving on important committees where I can elevate the local issues in our Interior region to statewide relevance. I am committed to Alaska’s economic, educational, and energy development and sustainability for our long-term future. I remain All In For Alaska, and I appreciate your continued support.
Why they're running:
I was raised with my Inupiaq values of responsibility, humility, cooperation, and hard work. When I was asked to run for office, I decided to accept this responsibility so that I could evaluate Interior voices in the state legislature. I am running to fight for the Interior by funding our schools, standing with working and rural Alaskans, and preserving our ways of life for future generations by protecting salmon and caribou, and rural access to subsistence. My vision for Alaska is to transform our state into an equitable, prosperous place with a healthy environment where our children and our grandchildren can thrive culturally, educationally, and economically.
Why they're running:
When I first ran for Public Office, I said it was "ouf of a sense of urgency," and I still feel that way. As a representative of the Lower Kuskokwim, there are many crises our communities are forced to endure. My goal is to alleviate these systemic failures, and empower community.
The issues outlined here are central to my goals as a representative. I oppose projects that threaten clean water, our air and overall environment. A component left out of the fish debate is how much human-caused climate change is playing a role in killing our salmon, therefore I intend to raise this issue. I supported policy to strengthen Alaskans ability to vote. A strong democracy bolsters rural Alaska. I opposed policy that did the opposite. Rural Alaska lives in this crisis the rest of the country will soon have to deal with.
Alaska State Senate endorsed candidates
Why they're running:
As a lifelong Alaskan, I want our home to be for the next generation what it's been for us. That bright future is possible if we work together to make wise decisions for the long term, without sacrificing our health or our cherished outdoor traditions.
That means protecting public safety by replacing toxic PFAS firefighting foams with safe alternatives. It means working with Alaskans of every stripe to stop a recent attempt to gut public involvement in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. It means working with both Alaska Tribes and Canadian First Nations to protect vital salmon habitat threatened by a toxic legacy of transboundary mining.
We can have a healthy, vibrant Alaskan future—one where public land, air, and water, prosperous habitat, and quality of life are cherished for all the values they provide: to our economy, cultures, bodies, and spirits. That will be a healthy, prosperous Alaska for all.
Why they're running:
I am running for public office to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all Alaskans. My vision for Alaska includes a strong commitment to protecting our natural resources, addressing climate change, and improving public education. Clean water and air, healthy salmon habitats, and proactive climate policies, in addition to a well-educated population, are essential for the well-being of our communities. I envision an Alaska where economic growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship and where every Alaskan has a voice in our democratic processes.
I am running for re-election to the State Senate to continue my work for a responsible action plan that moves Alaska forward. My experience, training, and education have given me insight into the challenges facing our state and community, including the need for responsible stewardship of our lands, resources, and democracy. I have the tools to find legislative solutions and build consensus with people across the political spectrum.
We must work together to address Alaska's challenges, including reasonable funding for education, diversifying our energy supply through renewable energy and increased efficiencies, improving public safety and making wise use of our public safety resources, and protecting Alaska's one-of-a-kind fisheries and salmon runs. As we move forward together, Alaska has a bright future!
Why they're running:
Growing up in Rural Alaska, I've seen how a healthy relationship with our environment can benefit our people. From sustainable hunting and fishing, to subsistence harvests, to Indigenous cultural practices, Alaska's economy and culture is reliant on protecting the land, water, and wildlife that make this a special place.
For nearly seven years on the Anchorage Assembly, and now two years in the State Senate, I've been focused on helping my community and Alaska's working families. That means fighting for improved quality of life, more affordable housing, public safety, and a vision of the state that is forward-looking, economically diverse, and inclusive. I am hopeful that our bipartisan majority can be reformed in the coming session, and that we can continue to forward our shared goals, while protecting the democratic institutions of our state and our nation.
Why they're running:
I am a mother, a civil rights attorney, a wife, a friend, and hard worker. I am Presiding Officer for the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, and I plan to couple that experience Fairbanks with my experience serving all of Interior Alaska as an attorney for our families and Tribes. I am a pragmatic problem-solver and will put what is best for our State over any political Agenda.
I envision a State with healthy fisheries where the ability to put fish on our tables is prioritized, where we all can access affordable and sustainable energy, and with thriving schools that are adequately funded.
U.S. House of representatives endorsement
Why they're running:
I first ran for office in 2022 to elevate fish, our fisheries, and fishing families. We have a real crisis in our state. Bycatch, bottom trawling, rising ocean temperatures, and acidification harm our fisheries and reduce what Alaskans catch for their families and small businesses every year.
Since my first election, I’ve made fish a national priority. Chum bycatch is down by 80%. I’ve secured a ban on Russian trawled fish, and I have brought home hundreds of millions of dollars to rehabilitate our fisheries and support fishing families who are struggling. But there is still so much more to do, so I’ve written bills to restrict bottom trawling and provide the resources fishermen need to reduce bycatch.
It’s not just fishing families, all Alaskan families are struggling. They are my priority. I’ve focused on securing projects and investments in Alaska that will reduce energy prices, keep schools open, prevent grocery stores from closing, and protect our elders.
I see a future where Alaskans can grow up in Alaska, raise their families in Alaska, and watch their grandchildren grow up in Alaska. I’m fighting for it.
Ballot Measure Endorsements
The minimum wage ballot measure improves Alaskans' daily lives by raising the minimum wage to $15 over 4 years, requiring paid sick leave, and protecting worker freedom. Ballot measure 1 will help Alaska build healthier communities, not only by letting those who are sick recover at home instead of worrying about a paycheck, but by fostering growth within our communities. Pay increases mean good things for communities, allowing workers more security, lower economic disparities, and increase overall worker satisfaction. The Alaska Center is excited to see the positive impacts that passing this ballot measure will mean for Alaskans and our communities.
Past Endorsements
Anchorage Municipal Election
Suzanne LaFrance, Mayoral — Elected!
Pat Higgins, School Board Seat E — Elected!
Dora Wilson, School Board Seat F — Elected!
Carl Jacobs, School Board Seat G — Elected!
Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors Election
Mark Wiggin — Elected!
Sam Cason
Fairbanks Borough and City Election
Grier Hopkins, Borough Mayor — Elected!
David Guttenberg, Borough Assembly Seat A — Elected!
Garrett Armstrong, Borough Assembly Seat F
Kristan Kelly, Borough Assembly Seat G — Elected!
Tamara Kruse Roselius, Borough School Board Seat A
Morgan Dulian, Borough School Board Seat B — Elected!
Sean MacDonald, City Council Seat A
Valerie Therrien, City Council Seat B — Elected!
Anchorage Municipal Election
Chris Constant, Downtown District 1 — Elected!
Anna Brawley, West District 3 — Elected!
Felix Rivera, Midtown District 4 — Elected!
Karen Bronga, East District 6 — Elected!
George Martinez, East District 5 — Elected!
Fairbanks North Star Borough Election
Liz Reeves-Ramos, Borough Assembly Seat D — Elected!
Nick LaJiness, Borough Assembly Seat E — Elected!
Scott Crass, Borough Assembly Seat H — Elected!
Tim Doran, Borough School Board E — Elected!
Bobby Burgess, Borough School Board F — Elected!
Meredith Maple, Borough School Board G —Elected!
City of Fairbanks Election
Sean MacDonald, City Council Seat E
Shoshana Kun, City Council Seat F
Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors Election
Shaina Kilcoyne
Jim Nordlund — Elected!
Susanne Fleek-Green — Elected!