Election 2024: State Senate and House candidates participate in Frontiersman questionnaire

The 2024 state election features Mat-Su candidates in one Senate district and six House districts.

In Senate District N, incumbent David Wilson is facing challengers Stephen Wright and Robert Yundt.

In the House, District 27 incumbent David Eastman is against Jubilee Underwood. Steve Menard, Elexie Moore and Jessica Wright are in the battle for District 28. Doyle Holmes is challenging Kevin McCabe in District 30.

DeLena Johnson (District 25), Cathy Tilton (District 26) and George Rauscher (District 29) are running unopposed.

The following submitted answers to the Frontiersman candidate questionnaires as part of our 2024 election coverage. Participation is voluntary.

Senate District N

David Wilson

What is your profession?

Public Service – Legislator. Substitute Teacher

How long have you lived in the borough?

I have lived in Alaska for over 25 years and in the borough for 16 years.

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

Since January 2017, I've been serving as an Alaska State Senator for District N. In January 2022, I joined the Governor's Advisory Council on Opioid Remediation, and I've been a member of the Alaska Energy Authority's Renewable Energy Fund Advisory Committee since January 2019. From October 2013 to December 2016, I served as a Councilman for the City of Wasilla. In March 2013 I joined the Steering Committee of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Transit Coalition, serving until December 2016. Between April 2011 and January 2016, I held the position of Chairman on the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Board of Ethics. Additionally, from February 2026 to December 2016, I was a member of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Transportation Advisory Board. My commitment to my community remains unwavering, as demonstrated by my extensive service and various leadership roles.

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

Some of my priorities include:

Safe Communities- We must tackle the pressing issue of squatting and derelict properties. These abandoned spaces not only compromise safety but also degrade the quality of our neighborhoods. By taking decisive action to eliminate squatting and rejuvenate these properties, we can remove hazards and deter illegal activities. Together, we can transform these neglected areas into thriving, safe, and welcoming environments for all residents. The goal is to maintain our community standards and ensure a brighter, safer future for everyone.

Behavioral Health –We must rethink how we respond to behavioral health issues, coordinating with law enforcement and health care professionals to allocate resources effectively and provide quality care.

Economic Development – A strong economy means a healthy future for Alaska and ensures our region remains competitive in economic development and job creation. I will continue to advocate for responsible investments in infrastructure and resource development.

Education – As we look forward to the future for our state, we need to recognize that education must be a top priority in order to empower and equip our young people for the jobs of the future. It is imperative that we continue working to put students first in classroom funding.

Limited Government – I was raised to value hard work and personal responsibility. I understand that the government is not the solution to most problems and can sometimes even be the cause. I will support common sense reforms that reduce burdensome regulations and increase accountability and transparency.

House District 27

David Eastman

I sought for a way to get to Alaska growing up, and the Army was happy to finally oblige by offering me an assignment at Fort Wainwright while I was still a cadet at West Point. Once I arrived in Anchorage, the Army changed their mind and sent me to Fort Rich instead. I originally lived in Eagle River, and moved to the valley when my unit returned from Afghanistan in March 2005. My wife and I lived briefly in Eagle River/Chugiak when we were first married before returning to the valley in 2015.

Serving as a citizen-legislator is my full-time profession. My background is military police, fire, and emergency management, and I am still an EMT, but frequent trips to Juneau at irregular times of the year make it difficult for legislators to hold onto traditional jobs while serving in the legislature.

In my experience fighting for reform in the Republican Party, and now in Juneau, Alaskan politics have become incredibly corrupt. Legislators don’t feel like they have the freedom to honestly represent the voters without being bullied and punished by those connected to Juneau, including their fellow legislators from other parts of the state.

The caucus system is used by those in power to coerce and extort legislators into falling in line, even when conscience and their constituents say NO. When voters decided to move the capital, politicians said no. When voters decided that legislators were spending too much time in Juneau, politicians said no. I fight constantly for the freedom and ability to honestly represent the Mat-Su, and have had to incur more than $300,000 in legal costs just to do that. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is.

The legislature is currently undergoing a realignment. Republican legislators have historically been opposed to new taxes, but with the growth of the budget (legislators voted to spend an additional $2 billion this year over last year), you now have Republican legislators proposing taxes, and at least one Republican candidate openly running on higher taxes with the backing of the governor. Fighting higher taxes and curbing government spending will be priorities if I am elected. The protection of innocence is always important, as is the protection of free speech. If Donald Trump is elected, there will be additional opportunities to develop our natural resources, which will be incredibly important for the future of our great state.

House District 30

Doyle Holmes

What is your profession?

Owner, Willow True Value Hardware

How long have you lived in the borough?

47 Years

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

United States Navy 21 yrs., Ret., Alaska State Defense Force 24 yrs., Mat-Su Borough Assembly 11 yrs., and Mat-Su Borough Deputy Mayor 3 yrs., lifetime member NRA and VFW.

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

The citizens of my old Assembly District continued to elect me for 11 years as their Assemblyman and Deputy Mayor. They recognized me as a leader, a fair person, a person they could trust, and one who would take their concerns to the government.

I do not have an agenda. I listen to people. I respect their opinions. The word ‘representative’ means to me all the people not just the ones I agree with. Roads, schools, public safety, energy, and the fight for the full PFD should be our priority. I believe we need better representation and I believe that I can and will provide it.

Unlike my opponent, I do not say one thing in public and vote another way in Juneau. He very seldom asks for people’s opinion on just about anything. He does what he wants.

Some of the things we do not have in the Mat-Su Borough because of my leadership: sales tax, personal property tax, inventory tax, and high airplane tax. We do have 13 more schools, Burchell Alternative School, Port Mackenzie, and Senior Housing in Willow. These are the things that people asked for. Proven Leadership for our Future!