Haines Republican Bill Thomas announced on Friday that he is dropping from the House District 3 legislative race, leaving Democrat Rep. Andi Story of Juneau with an easy walk to victory with no opponent this year. All three Juneau candidates, including Democrats Sen. Jesse Kiehl and Rep. Sara Hannan, are now unopposed.
Thomas, now in his late 70s, is a former representative who served in the House from 2005 to 2013. He told friends and supporters that he just doesn’t have the time to campaign and also commercially fish this season.
His withdrawal has not yet been made official at the Alaska Public Offices Commission. The Division of Elections’ last day for candidates to withdraw from the Aug. 20 primary is June 29.
