Preliminary election results for the Mat-Su Borough are in! Yesterday, Mat-Su voters decided who would fill 2 assembly seats and 4 school board seats. 5 candidates ran as Republican (1 won assembly, 4 won school board), 2 candidates ran as Nonpartisan (1 won assembly, 1 lost school board), and 3 candidates ran as Undeclared (2 lost assembly, 1 lost school board). No candidates ran as Democrat.
Additionally, Mat-Su residents voted on four propositions. 89% of voters supported lowering property tax burdens for seniors and disabled veterans. 70% of voters rejected the addition of a 7 cent per gallon tax on fuel. A close majority of voters (56%) agreed to the annexation of existing properties in the service area to Meadow Lakes Road Service No. 27. Proposition No. 4 received zero votes either yes or no.
Here are the candidates who won and what they stand for:
Assembly District 1
Republican Michael Bowles wins 64% of the vote.
Bowles promises to promote fiscal responsibility, combat unjust property code, and generate industry growth. He expounds his three focuses:
“1. Conservative approach to government. This means ensuring fiscal responsibility rather than new taxes and debt as well as ensuring ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability is the culture throughout all Borough entities.
“2. Protect personal liberty and fight infringing property code. I will guide the Borough to utilize or reform existing code as needed to ensure personal liberty is protected for all residents and stop infringement on property owners.
“3. Support industry growth and robust infrastructure by guiding the growth of a healthy economy through private investors, not more government. A healthy economy, not taxes, builds strong infrastructure.”
Assembly District 2
Nonpartisan candidate Stephanie Nowers wins 71% of the vote.
Although Nowers did not run as either Republican or Democrat, she lists her top values as fiscal conservatism and pro-growth.
“My focus is to keep government lean, taxes low, and investments strategic, looking for smart ways to grow our economy without sacrificing the beauty, space, and freedom we love about the Valley,” Nowers states.
Assembly District 4
Republican Maxwell H. Sumnner ran uncontested and won 92% of the vote.
He lists his three main priorities:
“Fiscal Responsibility: I will work to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely, prioritizing essential services and infrastructure while keeping spending in check.
“Property Rights: Government is meant to serve the citizens, not regulate them.
“Economic Growth: We have immense potential for growth, but we need smart policies that foster job creation, support local businesses, and attract industry.”
School Board District 2
Republican Kendal W. Kruse wins by 62%.
Kruse promises to prioritize fiscal responsibility, expansion of school choice programs, and parental rights. “Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-thinking school district that prepares all students for a bright future,” states Kruse.
School Board District 5
Republican Brooks Pitcher ran uncontested and won 92% of the vote.
Brooks focuses on expanding Career and Technical Education, protecting parental rights, promoting American fundamentals and values, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and strengthening school safety.
“At the end of the day, I’m a parent, laboring to ensure all the students of our district are safe, well taught, and ready to succeed,” states Brooks.
School District 7
Republican Lorie A. Colee wins 60% of the vote.
Colee emphasizes collaboration with parents, school transparency and accountability, and “Alaska’s values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for one another.” Colee states: “My priority is to put students first by keeping the focus on strong academics, teamwork, and fostering both personal and social growth.”