My campaign is driven by the mission to empower the community through effective representation. My commitment to equality and opportunity is reflected in my policies and advocacy for the district. My vision for the district is to create an environment where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

My passion for coastal Alaska includes advocacy for education, the Alaska Marine Highway System, healthy fisheries, a strong US Coast Guard presence, and affordable energy.

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EDUCATION

Education is a pillar of Alaska’s future — and it deserves stable, responsible funding. For too long, we've pitted the Permanent Fund Dividend against public education, and in the end, Alaskans lose when we fail to invest in both wisely.

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I believe every child in Alaska, no matter their ZIP code, deserves access to quality education, strong schools, and skilled teachers. That means fighting for reliable Base Student Allocation (BSA) increases and honoring commitments for school bond debt reimbursement so that local communities aren’t left holding the bill.

 

In the legislature, I’ll be a strong, steady voice for long-term education investment — because strong schools build strong communities, and that’s how we secure Alaska’s future.

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ALAKSA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM

In coastal communities like ours, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) isn’t just a way to get from place to place — it’s a lifeline. It allows residents to access medical care, bring in vehicles and household goods, support local businesses, and helps military families relocate to Coast Guard stations in our region. When ferry service is disrupted, entire communities feel the impact.

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One of my top priorities is securing a strong, reliable future for the AMHS.

• Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV): This project is essential to the long-term survival of ferry service in our region. I will advocate for its swift completion and work to protect the federal funding secured by Senator Murkowski — funding we cannot afford to lose.

• Consistent, Reliable Service: Our communities need dependable ferry access. I will push for stable scheduling and restored routes that meet local needs.

• Support for Ferry Workers: A strong AMHS depends on a skilled workforce. I’ll support investment in the people who keep the system running.

• Local Voices at the Table: I’ll fight for more transparency and for local communities to have a real say in the decisions that impact them.

The AMHS is not a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure. In the State House, I’ll work to ensure it gets the attention and investment it deserves.​

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FISHERIES

Commercial fishing is more than just a job in our district — it’s a way of life, a multigenerational tradition, and the backbone of our coastal economy.

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From independent vessel owners to deckhands, processors to support services, and from the smallest harbors to the largest shore-based plants, the fishing industry supports jobs and generates critical revenue for our local governments through fisheries business and landing taxes. These dollars help fund schools, infrastructure, emergency services, and other vital community needs.

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I recognize the diversity of our fisheries and I will advocate for policies that protect access, promote sustainability, and ensure our communities have a the strongest voice possible in fisheries management decisions.

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Processors are also a vital link in our fishing economy. They provide jobs, housing, and tax revenue, and they make it possible to bring Alaska seafood to the world. I support fair policies that strengthen this connection and keep investment flowing into our rural communities.

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Fishing supports not only livelihoods, but also our identity. As your representative, I will fight to:

• Protect access to fisheries

• Ensure science-based, sustainable management that reflects local knowledge

• Defend the fisheries taxes that fund our communities

• Improve infrastructure and services that support working waterfronts

• Strengthen rural economies through reliable processing operations and transportation networks

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Commercial fishing is a cornerstone of our district’s past, present, and future. I’m committed to working alongside fishermen, processors, local leaders, and tribal organizations to ensure it remains strong for the next generation.

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US COAST GUARD 

As a Coast Guard veteran, and the spouse of a retired Coast Guard pilot, I know firsthand the vital role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in our coastal communities. It was the Coast Guard that first brought my family to Alaska — and I’ve seen its impact ever since.

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In District 5, the Coast Guard is more than a military presence — it’s a critical part of our maritime safety and community resilience. From life-saving search and rescue missions for our fishing fleet to maintaining access and readiness in the Arctic, their work protects lives, livelihoods, and our strategic future.

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I will always advocate for a strong Coast Guard presence in our region — and for the families who serve and live alongside us.

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ENERGY

In Alaska, energy isn’t optional — it’s survival. From heat and electricity to communications and transportation, every part of daily life depends on having a stable and affordable energy supply.

 

Two communities in our district — Kodiak and Cordova — are leading the way with innovative, resilient energy systems. Their success shows what’s possible when we invest in infrastructure that works for rural Alaska.

 

But many other communities across District 5 are still paying some of the highest energy costs in the nation. That’s unacceptable.

 

As your representative, I will work to:

• Expand access to affordable, reliable energy in all rural communities.

• Support local utilities and cooperatives in developing sustainable solutions that lower costs over the long term.

• Secure state and federal funding for energy infrastructure upgrades.

 

Whether it’s families heating their homes, businesses keeping the doors open, or schools staying online — energy is a foundation for opportunity. I’m committed to making sure every part of District 5 has the power it needs to thrive.

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