Alaska Legislature

Over 46,000 Alaska ballots were counted on Tuesday and Wednesday, with tens of thousands still to be counted.

Tens of thousands of ballots are still to be counted, and several races are too close to call.

House and Senate leaders said early results were promising for bipartisan coalitions that focus on education funding and public retirement reform.

House District 36 leans Republican, but two Republican candidates are vying for office against one Democrat.

One Anchorage resident has spent $186,000 on Alaska’s legislative races this year.

Republicans have largely been unwilling to serve in a caucus with Eastman, arguing that he’s an obstructionist and likely to attack and deride his GOP colleagues.

Infrastructure needs and road congestion are hot topics for candidates in a region that has been transformed by rapid population growth.

Progressive and moderate candidates continue to draw more spending than conservative Republicans.

Incumbent Bjorkman had a four-point advantage over Carpenter in the primary — Wegener trailed with 12% of the vote.

A freshman lawmaker from Bethel faces a tough challenge from a first-time candidate from an outlying village in a race affected by divisions over a controversial mine.

A retirement overhaul could have far-reaching consequences for tens of thousands of state employees and their families, and many say it could help address the state’s challenges in recruiting and keeping employees in key sectors. Opponents say it could saddle the state with an unmanageable financial commitment.

The election bill would have removed a requirement for a witness signature on absentee ballots.

Of the $4.4 million in funds raised by candidates this year, $2.8 million has gone to candidates who support bipartisan coalitions.

A possible legal snag has put Rep. Tom McKay’s plans on hold, at least temporarily.

Any flipped seat could be consequential in a closely divided House, so an Eischeid victory could tip the balance of power away from the current Republican majority.

Rep. Julie Coulombe, campaigning for re-election to represent a Lower Hillside district, is pointing to bills the Legislature passed, while challenger Walter Featherly says other measures are needed.

Signs will be limited to 11 inches by 17 inches and can’t be attached to posts or sticks, according to a new visitor policy

School spending is a key issue in competitive legislative races after lawmakers in March sustained the governor’s veto of a major education funding boost.

Democrat Janice Park finished narrowly ahead of Republican Sen. James Kaufman in the primary, making the Lower Hillside state Senate race one to watch in November.

In the coastal district — Alaska’s farthest south — the candidates say they want to support education, fishing and energy, but differ on how.

Both candidates are Republicans, but they differ in their ideas about bipartisan caucuses, state employee retirement benefits and other issues.

Three Inupiat candidates are giving pitches about representing both the North Slope and Northwest Arctic, distinct regions within a single legislative district.

The open House seat features two first-time candidates, Lucy Bauer and Ky Holland.