By MARK THIESSEN
The Associated Press
ANCHORAGE (AP) — U.S. Rep. Don Young, Alaska’s sole representative in the U.S. House since 1973, faces token opposition in the Republican primary Tuesday as he attempts to win a 25th term.
On the Democratic side, Alyse Galvin, a nonpartisan candidate, is seeking her second shot at unseating Young after losing by nine percentage points in 2018.
While some Republican incumbents are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump in the election, that’s not the case for Young.
Trump on Thursday tweeted his “complete and total endorsement” for Young, the longest serving Republican in the U.S. House. Trump said Young loves his state “and works tirelessly” for Alaska.
Young replied to Trump in his own tweet: “You’ve been a great partner for Alaska and our country. Keep up the good work!”
Young faced two little-known challengers in the Republican primary, T. “John” Nelson and Gerald Heikes, neither of whom reported raising any money.
Young, who is known for his off-the-cuff comments and sometimes abrasive demeanor, made headlines in March when he downplayed the seriousness of the coronavirus to an audience that included older Alaskans. Young himself is 87.
His campaign manager told a newspaper he believed Young was trying to urge calm. Young has posted pictures of himself wearing a mask on his social media feed. He was also pictured wearing a mask when he voted early in Anchorage on Thursday.
Galvin, a nonpartisan who was endorsed by the Democratic party, lost to Young in the 2018 general election. He won with 53% of the vote compared with her 46.5%.
In her primary Tuesday, Galvin faced William “Bill” Hibler and Ray Sean Tugatuk, neither of whom reported raising any money.
Galvin, 55, an education advocate, has maintained an active social media presence and began campaigning for the race last year, hoping to build off the network she cultivated in her prior run.
From April through June, she significantly outraised Young and held an edge in available cash on hand.
In 2018, Galvin conducted a vibrant door-to-door campaign and used a large recreational vehicle painted with her name and logo in campaign colors to travel the state.
The RV was parked during the pandemic as Galvin campaigned in virtual town halls.
