Congressional ‘watchdog’ or partisan hit job? Dark money 907 Initiative is at it again

The leftist political activist organization known as the 907 Initiative launched an online project in January — AKDelegationWatch.org — a self-described “resource for information about Alaska’s congressional delegation.” It’s one of the latest salvos in a series of partisan attacks on Republicans ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Although the site bills itself as a neutral watchdog effort, its content relies heavily on mainstream media reporting and left-wing political blogs known for targeting Alaska Republicans. The site currently focuses on Rep. Nick Begich and Sen. Dan Sullivan, both of whom are expected to face re-election campaigns in 2026. The group is now advertising the website with Google ads.

This pattern of politically charged media efforts is not new for the 907 Initiative. Since its formation in 2022, the Anchorage-based nonprofit has positioned itself as a progressive advocacy organization, aligning with the Democratic Party. Founded by Democrat activists Aubrey Wieber, Sara Dykstra, and Kati Ward-Hamer, the group is now led by Debra Call, Eleanor Andrews, and Sydney Scout — all with histories in Democratic Party organizing or left-wing political circles, with Wieber as the executive director.

Despite presenting itself as a grassroots Alaska group, the 907 Initiative has ties to Arabella Advisors, a Washington, DC-based consulting firm known for managing billions in left-wing “dark money” to influence state and national politics. The 907 Initiative is also part of the national ProgressNow network, which describes its mission as creating a “never-ending progressive campaign” to advance leftist causes year-round.

Alaska’s conservative leaders have increasingly come under fire from the group. In 2021, the 907 Initiative mounted a campaign against Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson during the municipal election cycle, culminating in a scathing “Annual Performance Report” in early 2024, just before the election, that accused his administration of mismanagement, poor hiring practices, and ethical lapses. A similar campaign was mounted against Gov. Mike Dunleavy over his veto of a bipartisan bill to boost school funding.

The organization has also backed progressive policies such as reviving defined-benefit pensions for public employees and increasing state spending on public education — all issues that reflect national Democratic priorities.

With AKDelegationWatch.org, the group is taking its messaging to the federal election level, using an investigative format to draw attention to what it portrays as the shortcomings of Alaska’s congressional Republicans Sen. Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich. Though no endorsements have been made, the timing and focus of the site suggest a coordinated campaign to soften the target on GOP incumbents ahead of the 2026 elections.

While the 907 Initiative claims to provide public accountability, it functions as an arm of the Democratic Party in Alaska — funded largely by out-of-state donors and modeled on a national playbook to shift red states blue through long-term advocacy. The group has a separate “action” arm run by the same people, where the actual campaigning takes place.

As 2026 approaches, Alaskans can expect to see more from the 907 Initiative, bringing dark Outside forces to bear in Alaska’s elections.