The Alaska Division of Elections has determined that Republican state Rep. David Eastman of Wasilla is eligible to run for reelection. Eastman’s candidacy faced challenges over his affiliation with the far-right Oath Keepers group.
Division of Elections Director Gail Fenumiai in a written response to the complaints said a “preponderance of evidence supports his eligibility.”
The division on Wednesday in response to a records request from The Associated Press provided copies of complaints that were filed challenging the eligibility of candidates, along with responses from Fenumiai.
Fenumiai said the division received 24 timely filed challenges to Eastman’s candidacy.
A challenge also was filed to the residency of state Sen. Lyman Hoffman, a Bethel Democrat. The division determined that Hoffman, a long-serving member of the Legislature who is seeking reelection, is an eligible candidate.
Identifying information of those who challenged Eastman’s eligibility was redacted. It was not redacted for the man who challenged Hoffman’s eligibility.
