Ken McCarty, former Alaska House representative running for Chugiak-Eagle River Senate Seat L, has withdrawn his name and is supporting Jared Goecker, the top challenger to leftist Sen.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With McCarty and Jackson withdrawn, that leaves Goecker, Democrat Lee Hammermeister, and Merrick on the Nov. 5 ballot, where voters will be asked to rank their preferences.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.
Wouldnt now be a good time to remind Alaskans about Merrick’s antics in the legislature? Her partying? Her RINO voting record? It’s no disrespect to residents in eagle river; but that community has a large transient population—many mil any gov employees who don’t know the history there… who would be charmed by her without realizing what a train wreck and embarrassment she is. I’d love to see the eagle river district, who is otherwise very thoughtful, be advised that this one is Definitley a huge part of the problem!!
Eagle River knew then and knows now. They don’t care.
Some of us actually do
….Indian leg-wrestling with her favorite boy…..Zack.
Good Job, Mr. McCarty.
It’s good to see that this guy and Dahlstrom realize that with RCV we lemmings just cant wrap our heads around the fact that you MUST vote RED, no matter how much you may dislike the second choice person. Thank you for not splitting the vote!
Thank you Ken and Sharon for doing what’s best
to remove Merrick.
I think Jared Goecker can do it.
Thank you, Ken for ensuring we flip the senate! You have worked tirelessly to help your community over the years and all conservatives thank you for your continued efforts for the state!
Great decision Ken.
I am glad to see some cooperation between two possible choices to net a winner against one of the most disgusting “Republicans” in Juneau.
Kelly needs to keep her knee pads in place to service the Union Boss.
Thank you Mr. McCarty.
Ken McCarty is a class act. Served his state and community honorably in the Alaska House of Representatives2021-22. He was an advocate for vocational and technical secondary education opportunities. Ken is an incredible community volunteer and advocate; Lions, Elks, Chinooks baseball and youth sports to name a few! The tennis courts at Lions Park are largely a result of his vision, persistence, tenacity and hard work. Ken is a meaningful and common sense voice in addressing the “homeless” discussions.
Thanks Ken, for your past, current and future service to your community.
Bill Stoltze, past member Alaska House and Senate. (2003-16)
Now we need Dawson Slaughter to withdraw from the District 6 race. I talked with him this afternoon and he would NOT commit to leaving. Hopefully he will change his mind soon. I told him he needs to withdraw in the next couple of days. He never responded to the District asking him to discuss his campaign earlier this year. We asked him three times. I am afraid he is a RINO…
Thanks Ken, you’re a real statesman for stepping up. ER will only benefit from the head to head between Jared and the caucus spy.
Thank you Mr. McCarty for helping us get Merrick out. You are a gem!
Sincerely, Everyone in Chugiak that has a brain
McCarty was “funning” for seat L? So he was just kidding in the first place?
Merrick should be given an award. Most awful Alaskan. And a one way ticket south.
Thank you McCarty for putting a checkmate in place. Hat off to you sir., well played. I hope that
the Eagle River folks will coalesce around Goeker, and vote Merrick out.