October 24, 2018 — With U.S. election day on 6 November just around the corner, Alaska Governor Bill Walker shocked the state on 19 October by dropping out of his race for reelection.
Walker, an independent, said he realized he would not be able to win a three-way race, and has endorsed the Democratic candidate – former U.S. Senator Mark Begich – who faces former Republican State Senator Mike Dunleavy. Though Walker’s name will still be on the ballot, he urged supporters to vote for Begich.
“Alaskans deserve a choice other than Mike Dunleavy,” Walker said.
Walker was set to debate Begich in a debate over commercial fishing on Monday, but with Walker pulling out of the race, the debate organized by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce was canceled.
Dunleavy would not have appeared at the event anyway, which would have made him the first gubernatorial candidate in 27 years not to attend the historic debate. Instead, Dunleavy said he was “visiting with Alaskans in Barrow.”
Read the full story at Seafood Source