Josh Revak files to challenge Charisse Millett

An aide to U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan has filed to run for State House against Rep. Charisse Millett, who serves District 25, an area of Anchorage that Republicans have held for a long time.

Until this week, Revak was the Veterans and Military Affairs advisor to Sullivan. He also worked as an aide to U.S. Congressman Don Young for many years. He was an armored crewman in the U.S. Army on a tank, and left after being wounded by enemy mortar fire in Ramadi, Iraq. He’s been awarded the Purple Heart medal and is active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He joined after 9-11, joining the Army by January, and was already in Iraq by May and on the front liens of combat.

“I did that because I love our country. I’ve been thinking about serving in office for a long time,” he said.

Millett is the current House minority leader, having been elected in 2008 and serving as a legislative aide prior to being elected. She was raised in the district and graduated from Dimond High School. She attended University of Alaska Anchorage and has worked as a commercial fisher. She is of Inupiaq heritage. Millett already has the endorsement of her district Republicans and the Alaska Republican Party, which poses a challenge for Revak in raising funds.

Revak’s filing puts pressure on her in the primary; the winner of the race will face Pat Higgins, who has run as a Democrat for the seat numerous times. Pat’s wife, Patti Higgins, has also run against Millett. Millett squeaked by Pat Higgins in 2016, 3,685 to 3,592.

“I know Josh to be a great American, and Patriot. His sacrifice for our country’s has been great, and for that I am eternally grateful. I will look forward to hearing his ideas and positions on issues facing the State of Alaska,” Millett said.

“This is crucial time for Alaska and the issues are complex,  I have a solid conservative record and have worked tirelessly for our great state and District 25. I will continue to work hard in the primary and am honored to be endorsed by the Republican Party, and by District 25 Republicans. I thank Josh and all Republicans that have filed to run for office, it truly is an honor serve,” she said.