Four first-time candidates are competing for the open seat in Alaska's House District 37, a large rural district covering the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, Bristol Bay and parts of the upper Kuskokwim, the Alaska Beacon reports.
They are Republican Brenda Wilson of King Cove, Democrat Evelynn Trefon of Newhalen, and independents Mark Smith of Aleknagik and Cade Woods of Dillingham. The seat is open because House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, who has held it since 2007, is running for the region's state Senate seat instead.
At an online forum organised by residents, three of the candidates focused on fisheries, the high cost of living, transport links and schools in communities reachable only by boat or plane. The result could affect control of the Alaska House, where the multi-party majority coalition holds 21 seats to the Republican-led minority's 19.
Source: Alaska Beacon
