District 18

Kamala Harris and her Vice Presidential pick, Tim Walz, represent a new era in American politics. They are focusing on an economy that benefits the lower and middle class, rather than the ultra-wealthy. Harris' experience as a prosecutor makes her best suited to address the southern border and drug crisis. As vice president under President Joe Biden, Harris helped craft and pass the Infrastructure Act, which poured billions of federal dollars into Alaska, addressing everything from roads and bridges to broadband and energy. We recommend the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket for U.S. President.

Robert Kennedy Jr. remains on the ballot in Alaska, despite him dropping out of the race and endorsing Donald Trump. Kennedy's platform was largely based on vaccine conspiracy theories, and despite coming from political royalty, many family members spoke out against his run for president. During his campaign, several odd stories of his past came out, including Kennedy admitting he dumped a dead bear in Central Park. We do not recommend voting for Robert Kennedy Jr.

Donald Trump's repeated attacks on our democracy make him unfit for office. His tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy benefit him and his billionaire friends at the expense of hard-working Americans. Rather than put forth an inspiring agenda, Trump and his vice president-select, J.D. Vance, are running on racist conspiracy theories. We do not recommend voting for the Trump/Vance ticket.

Incumbent Rep. Peltola put Alaska first in her first full term as the state's only House member, focusing on reaching energy independence by prioritizing affordable and reliable energy. Peltola ran in 2022 on a uniquely Alaska pro-choice, pro-fish, pro-gun platform. She also worked to secure infrastructure improvements, broadband access, and more that will create jobs for Alaskans so younger generations remain in state. Peltola was pragmatic and stuck to her values, putting her constituents above her party, voting to improve life for all Alaskans. We recommend ranking Mary Peltola first for U.S. Congress.

Nick Begich has never held office before. He is the founder of a software company and 90% of his employees are based in India. He is running for U.S. Congress largely on a national Republican platform, including calling social security a "ponzi scheme." While Begich comes from one of Alaska's most prominent political families, he was raised in Florida by his maternal grandparents and is not endorsed by his uncles, Tom and Mark Begich. Begich's campaign ads focus on addressing America's southern border, but are scant on what he would do for Alaska. Alaskans needs a representative working for our interests, not someone so focused on the Lower 48. We recommend ranking Nick Begich second.

John Wayne Howe did not mount enough of a campaign for us to support him for U.S. Congress. We recommend ranking him third.

Eric Hafner is running while serving a 20-year prison sentence in New York for making violent threats to politicians, police, and judges. Hafner could not fulfill the residency requirements for this office, and is not a serious candidate. We recommend ranking Hafner last.

Rep. Cliff Groh is a member of the bipartisan coalition. His priorities include saving the Permanent Fund Dividend, fully funding schools, and diversifying state revenue by raising taxes on oil industry. Groh spent years working in the legislature as an aide and co-created the Permanent Fund Dividend alongside former Governor Jay Hammond. We recommend ranking Cliff Groh first for House District 18.

David Nelson's campaign is being supplemented with support from Americans for Prosperity Action Alaska, a group funded by national extremists like the Koch Brothers. Nelson's campaign says relatively little about Alaska issues. We recommend ranking David Nelson last for House District 19.