ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The longest serving Republican ever in the U.S. House will have challenges in both the primary and general elections, and the field of candidates grew by one on Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Don Young, who was first elected to office in 1973, so far faces three little-known opponents in the Republican primary this August.
If he advances, he’ll square off against Libertarian and Democratic candidates in his bid for a 23rd term in Congress.
“Congressman Young looks forward to running a spirited and energetic campaign,” his spokesman, Matt Shuckerow, said in a statement. “Congressman Young has always welcomed all candidates to the congressional race and will focus on receiving the Republican nomination this August.”
In the Republican primary, Young faces John R. “Bear” Cox of Anchor Point, Paul Hannan of Homer and Gerald Heikes of Palmer.
There are two Libertarians in the race, Jim McDermott and John Briggs Watts, both of Fairbanks.
Lynette Moreno Hinz was the sole Democrat in the race until Thursday, when Steve Lindbeck of Anchorage announced his candidacy for Alaska’s sole seat in the House.
Lindbeck is a former sports editor at the defunct Anchorage Times and an associate editor at the former Anchorage Daily News. He worked at the Alaska Humanities Forum from 1991 to 2000, before becoming chief executive officer of Alaska Public Media.
“Alaska is facing a major economic challenge and the old way of doing things isn’t working anymore,” Lindbeck said in a statement. “We have to look ahead to how we diversify our economy beyond oil and gas to create long-term sustainable growth over the next decade.”
He added: “No one can solve this overnight, but it’s time for a different style of leadership and a new direction that builds partnerships and brings Alaskans together to address these serious challenges.”
He planned his first campaign speech Friday in Fairbanks
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