Les Gara, former Democratic Party House representative for downtown Anchorage, has filed a letter of intent to run for governor.
Gara served in the House from 2003 to 2019, and although his District number changed during redistricting, when he left office it was — and still is — District 20, where Rep. Zack Fields now serves as representative.
Gara has told many people that he planned to run for governor. He is discontented with the funding for foster care in the state, and is a well-known opponent of oil companies; Gara has advocated for more taxation on oil leases.
Gara is part owner of Snow City Cafe, along with former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. He is considered to be very plugged into the Alaska Democratic Party apparatus.
Gara will complicate things for the Alaska Democratic Party, which already has its previous nominee in the race — former Gov. Bill Walker. Walker and his former Labor commissioner Heidi Drygas filed for governor and lieutenant governor earlier this week.
Also having filed for governor this week is Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican.
With an open primary, there is just one ballot for the primary, with all names on it. The top four proceed to the general election, regardless of party.
The primary election will be held on Aug. 16, 2022.
