With Abortion Access on the Line, Here are the Key Candidates to Watch in Alaska
For Immediate Release: Sept. 27, 2022
ANCHORAGE, AK — This November, the people of Alaska have more on the line than ever before. The threat to abortion access — access proven to be popular in Alaska — is imminent as extremist politicians push for a Constitutional Convention to strip people of their rights. It is critical to elect strong reproductive rights leaders in Alaska.
Across the country, we’re seeing abortion rights becoming a key issue in the 2022 midterm elections. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has inspired surges in political participation from pro-abortion rights voters across the country, and Alaska is no exception. Across Alaska, these are five abortion rights champions to watch in 2022.
- Mary Peltola: Rep. Peltola is the only candidate in the U.S. House race who supports access to abortion and birth control. Rep. Peltola has committed to voting in favor of a bill that would codify abortion rights.
- Les Gara and Jessica Cook: Gara and Cook make up the only ticket in the Governor’s & Lieutenant Governor’s races committed to protecting the right to abortion. Les Gara is a proven champion who has fought for our rights and values in the Alaska House of Representatives.
- Scott Kawasaki: Kawasaki has been a champion for LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights in Alaska during his time as the youngest ever member of the Fairbanks City Council, and in the Alaska Legislature.
- Maxine Dibert: Dibert is the only candidate in House District 31 who is committed to championing birth control, abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and medically accurate sex education in Alaska.
“After the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, it is more important than ever to elect leaders who will always be a voice for reproductive rights in Alaska,” said Rose O’Hara-Jolley, Alaska State Director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “Alaska deserves candidates who will spend every day in office fighting for access to high-quality, equitable health care for all people in Alaska. We look forward to supporting them in these races.”