Candidate for Alaska State Legislature Interview Series
Michael Bowles, State House District 25 (Palmer)
In this candidate interview, Michael Bowles introduces himself to Alaskans, shares his motivation for running, and shares his experience serving on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly. He also identifies his top three priorities: maintaining a true conservative approach to government by refusing to caucus with Democrats, encouraging resource development by private investors, and defending the right to life for all.
Michael Bowles, registered Republican, is one of three candidates running for Alaska State House of Representatives District 25, which is held by incumbent Rep. DeLena Johnson. Rep. Johnson currently serves as House Minority Leader and is running for reelection. The third candidate in the race is Steven Merritt, registered nonpartisan.
The gubernatorial race garners a lot of attention, and certainly the Governor commands great power in our State. But who is running for a chance to make Alaska’s laws? The Candidate for Alaska Legislature Interview Series is designed to inform Must Read Alaska readers about candidates running for State Senate and State House of Representatives. We are starting with introductions, and then we will ask candidates to dive deep into policy issues.
Are you running for an Alaska state congressional office and want to participate in our Candidate Interview series? Contact editor@mustreadalaska today! ALL candidates running for legislative office in the Alaska State Legislature are welcome to participate! Interviews published as part of this series are conducted via email with questions and responses unaltered beyond minor grammatical edits.
Interview with Michael Bowles
Must Read Alaska: Tell us a bit about yourself. What’s your background? How long have you been in Alaska? What brought you here?
Michael Bowles: I moved to Fort Richardson (JBER) in 2007 serving in the Army as a combat medic and met my wife, a lifelong Alaskan. We spent much of our engagement while I was deployed to Iraq for my second combat tour, where I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. We enjoy spending our time working on our homestead, hunting and fishing, and enjoying all Alaska has to offer.
After the Army, I served the State of Alaska as a Health Consultant with AK OSHA and Executive Administrator for the Board of Pharmacy. I have earned an Associates of Culinary of Arts from the University of Alaska Anchorage, as well as a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from Liberty University.
I am a Commonsense Conservative running to represent the Greater Palmer area. Integrity, honesty, and accountability are my core values and needed more than ever in Juneau.
Must Read Alaska: Why are you running for House of Representatives?
Michael Bowles: Many of us conservatives have lost trust in our current representation. In government there are two types of people: those that serve others because they care about Alaska and protecting the liberty we have for as long as possible (selfless service) and then there are those that seek power and prestige over doing what is best for fellow residents (self-serving). It’s time for representation for Palmer that serves the people rather than personal agendas.
Must Read Alaska: Tell us about a prior public service or leadership role you have had. What was the most significant lesson you learned in that role?
Michael Bowles: I currently serve on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly and advocate strongly for personal liberty, property rights, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and small government. My term ends November 2026.
The most significant lesson I have learned is that the most important thing that we as elected officials can do is vote according to our values and the values of those that put their trust in us. I am a Christian first, a husband second, and elected official third, and that is my worldview. I have had people try and sway my vote, and I know it will happen when elected to the House, but I will never compromise my integrity. I am not doing this to seek power positions; I’m doing this to represent the people who will put me in that seat and bring our conservative values to the House.
Must Read Alaska: What would you say are the top 2-3 challenges Alaska faces and how would you address them?
Michael Bowles:
- Conservative Approach to Government. This means fiscal responsibility rather than new taxes and debt, as well as ensuring integrity, ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in government. We have Republicans that join with Democrats and come against our conservative values in Alaska and that’s a problem. I will never caucus with Democrats or join a coalition with Democrats.
- Natural Resource Development and Economic Growth. Alaska is open for business, and I support responsible natural resource development. I will 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.
- Pro-Life. Alaska’s Constitution is dedicated to the principle that all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We must protect the right to life for all Alaskans from conception until natural death because without life, there is no liberty, and without liberty, there is no pursuit of happiness.
Must Read Alaska: What’s your favorite thing about Alaska?
Michael Bowles: Alaska is one of the last places on earth where we still can experience liberty. I grew up in the Army and served in the Army myself and saw firsthand what communism in Europe looks like and how devastating it is. I saw what a dictatorship in the Middle East does to a country and how horrible the people in that country were treated. Even in our own United States, we have a communist movement that aims to do everything they can to undermine our constitution. In Alaska, we still have liberty, and I will do everything I can to protect that for all residents.
Learn more about Michael Bowles here: Elect Michael Bowles | Support Conservative Leadership Today
Are you running for Alaska Senate or Alaska House of Representatives? Please consider participating in our Candidate Interview series! Contact editor@mustreadalaska today! ALL candidates running for legislative office at state level are welcome to participate! Interviews published as part of this series are conducted via email with questions and responses unaltered beyond minor grammatical edits.
Must Read Alaska unequivocally supports the election of conservative candidates to office in the Alaska State Legislature, but does not endorse any one particular candidate.
