Ken McCarty, former Alaska House representative running for Chugiak-Eagle River Senate Seat L, has withdrawn his name and is supporting Jared Goecker, the top challenger to leftist Sen. Kelly Merrick, who is a registered Republican but who caucuses with the Democrats.
After receiving 777 votes, (11.36%), McCarty’s withdrawal will offer a more unified front for conservative voters heading into the fall election, Goecker said. Voters will now have a more clear choice between Merrick, who is paid for by Big Labor, and candidate Goecker, who is running as a fiscal conservative.
“After careful consideration and numerous discussions with supporters and community leaders, I have decided to withdraw from the race for the Alaska State Senate,” said McCarty. “I am proud to endorse Jared Goecker, who shares our core conservative values and has demonstrated the ability to defeat Kelly Merrick. I believe Jared is the best candidate to represent our interests and advance our shared goals in the State Senate.”
Jared Goecker, whose campaign has gained momentum following a strong primary performance, stands as a committed advocate for accountability in government, getting tough on crime, fiscal responsibility, and protecting individual rights and the Chugiak-Eagle River way of life.
Goecker’s primary result was 2,240 votes, just 82 votes behind Merrick, who received 2,322 votes.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for Ken McCarty’s endorsement,” said Goecker. “Following last week’s primary, Ken and I have talked every day to review the numbers and strategize on the best path forward. We have enjoyed a good relationship throughout this entire election and I deeply appreciate the careful and methodical approach Ken applied to this process. This is a prudent calculated strategy; the best path forward is to consolidate behind a single conservative. Together, we will work towards a prosperous and resilient future for Alaska.”
Earlier, Sharon Jackson, another former House representative running for the conservative district’s Senate seat, announced she was dropping and endorsing Goecker. She, too, shares conservative Republican values and sees how the ranked choice voting system works against Republicans.
With McCarty and Jackson withdrawn, that leaves Goecker, Democrat Lee Hammermeister, and Merrick on the Nov. 5 ballot, where voters will be asked to rank their preferences. It’s believed that Hammermeister’s voters will rank Merrick second, since she shares most of their core values, and that may give her the boost she needs, since many Republicans in Chugiak/Eagle River are discouraged by her performance, as evidenced in the primary results that demonstrated the deep trouble she is in.
Goecker’s campaign can be found at jaredforalaska.com.
