Alaska’s Crowded Governor’s Race Gains Another Contender: A Focus on Education and Rural Concerns
Anchorage attorney Gregg Brelsford has entered the race for Alaska’s governorship as an independent candidate, bringing the total number of contenders to eighteen. Brelsford, 75, announced his candidacy on Tuesday, positioning himself as a champion for Alaska’s education system and a voice for rural communities.
A Career of Public Service
Brelsford’s background includes experience as an Anchorage prosecutor, a municipal manager for communities in Bristol Bay, and CEO of the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association. He previously ran for Alaska’s at-large congressional seat following the death of Congressman Don Young. This diverse experience, particularly his time in rural Alaska, shapes his campaign strategy.
“Alaska’s Education Governor”
Central to Brelsford’s platform is a commitment to improving Alaska’s public education system. He sharply criticized Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration and Republican lawmakers for what he describes as underfunding schools. “They’ve abandoned and betrayed and sold out our K through 12 students, and their teachers, and their parents,” Brelsford stated. He specifically cited Dunleavy’s vetoes of school funding initiatives, though lawmakers did override some of those vetoes, increasing per-student funding by $700 last year.
Dunleavy has maintained that increased funding alone won’t necessarily improve student outcomes, a point of contention Brelsford directly challenges.
Beyond Education: Pensions, Data Privacy, and Law Enforcement
Brelsford’s platform extends beyond education. He expressed concerns about the Dunleavy administration’s sharing of voter data with the federal government and advocated for a return to a defined benefit pension plan for state and local government employees. He also outlined a focus on law enforcement priorities, including addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women, crimes against women, and drug trafficking.
A Self-Funded Campaign and Rural Focus
Brelsford is investing $200,000 of his own funds into his campaign as initial “seed” funding. He intends to prioritize campaigning in rural Alaska, leveraging his extensive experience working with villages and tribal organizations. “I came of age in rural Alaska,” he explained. “I’ve spent years and years in villages, small towns…so I’m going to be spending a lot of time introducing myself to people there.”
Navigating a Crowded Field
Brelsford joins a diverse pool of candidates, including former state officials, legislators, and business leaders. The primary election is scheduled for August, with the top four candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advancing to the November general election. Candidates have until June 1 to officially join the race.
The Shifting Landscape of Alaskan Politics
Alaska’s political scene has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the implementation of ranked-choice voting. This new system, combined with a growing number of independent candidates, suggests a potential shift away from traditional party dominance. Brelsford’s independent run reflects this trend, appealing to voters who may be dissatisfied with the established political parties.
Did you recognize?
Gregg Brelsford previously ran for U.S. House in 2022, but was unsuccessful in the special primary election.
FAQ
Who is Gregg Brelsford? Gregg Brelsford is an Anchorage attorney and independent candidate running for Alaska Governor.
What is Brelsford’s primary focus? He is prioritizing improvements to Alaska’s public education system.
Is Brelsford funding his own campaign? Yes, he is contributing $200,000 of his own money as seed funding.
What is the deadline to join the governor’s race? Candidates have until June 1 to join the primary.
What is the election schedule? The primary election is in August, and the top four candidates will advance to the November general election.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the candidates and their platforms by visiting the Alaska Public Media website and Ballotpedia for comprehensive coverage.
Interested in learning more about the candidates and their positions? Read the full story on Alaska Public Media.
