Democracy Dispatch

June in Review

Democrats Are Stepping Up Across Alaska

June 1st was Alaska’s candidate filing deadline, and the message is clear: Democrats are stepping up across the state.

According to Alaska Public Media, nearly 70 candidates filed on the final day alone. Just days earlier, 26 races had fewer than two candidates, including some with no candidates at all. But after a surge of late filings, Alaska Democrats now have a historic number of candidates running for the state legislature.

That includes strong candidates in purple districts we can flip blue, and candidates in historically red areas where Democrats have not competed in years or even decades. In the Mat-Su alone — one of the reddest regions in Alaska — Democrats (and one aligned Independent) are contesting seven of eight seats this cycle. Last time, every one of those seats went uncontested.

This did not happen by accident. It is the result of long-term organizing and a commitment to making sure Democrats everywhere have a voice.

When Democrats run everywhere, Alaskans have a choice. Communities get to hear from candidates who will fight for strong public schools, lower costs, workers’ rights, voting access, and a state government that actually works for families.

Celebrating Juneteenth and Pride Month Across Alaska

This month, Alaska Democrats were proud to join communities across the state in celebrating Juneteenth and Pride Month. These celebrations are reminders of the ongoing work to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Alaska — and of the strength we find when we stand together.

Read the Democratic Alaska Black Caucus’ Juneteenth statement here.

July at a Glance

Dunleavy’s Latest Vetoes Put Alaska Communities Last

Mike Dunleavy did it again.

After lawmakers passed a state budget meant to fund essential services and support communities across Alaska, Dunleavy pulled out his veto pen and cut nearly $90 million from the budget.

For Alaskans, this is nothing new. Year after year, Dunleavy has used his veto power to cut from the very communities he is supposed to serve — including schools, health care, public services, infrastructure, working families, seniors, and rural communities.

And every time, Alaskans are left to deal with the consequences: higher costs, fewer services, more uncertainty, and communities forced to stretch already-limited resources even further.

That is not leadership. It is a failure to govern.

As Dunleavy enters his final year in office, his record makes clear what is at stake. Alaska needs a Democratic governor who will put Alaskans first, protect essential services, and build a state government that actually works.

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Health Care Cuts Hit Alaska Hard

When politicians in DC talk about “cutting spending,” they want people to picture a line item on a spreadsheet.

But in Alaska, we know what those cuts really look like.

They look like fewer public health workers, longer drives for care, rural communities losing services they already had too little of, and families waiting longer for help. They mean Tribal communities, seniors, veterans, and working people being forced to navigate even more barriers just to get the care they need.

Alaska is already one of the hardest places in the country to access health care. Distance, weather, workforce shortages, and high costs make care harder here than almost anywhere else.

But Dan Sullivan, Nick Begich, and Mike Dunleavy have made it clear where they stand. Again and again, they side with Trump’s agenda while Alaskans are left to deal with the fallout.

Health care is not optional. Alaska needs leaders who understand that.

We are not going to sit back while DC politicians make it harder for Alaskans to get the care they need. That’s why we’re supporting candidates who will fight for strong communities, affordable care, and a government that actually shows up for people — whether they live in Anchorage, Bethel, Nome, Juneau, Utqiaġvik, or anywhere in between.

Interested in joining the team? We’re hiring! Apply today.

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