Vision

We envision an Alaska where electoral campaigns are powered by people who know their communities best. By investing in Alaskans both on and off the road system, people rooted in their regions, we are creating lasting infrastructure that supports victories not only during high-profile federal races but also in the years between. Our vision is a future where Alaskans have the tools to consistently win campaigns, strengthen democracy, and influence policy in ways that protect our communities for generations to come.

Why Now

The 2026 elections will be pivotal for Alaska and the nation. Alaskans will elect a U.S. Senator, a U.S. Representative, a governor, and state legislators, and vote on the future of ranked-choice voting — a decision that will reverberate nationwide.

The stakes are enormous:

  • Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would devastate families and strain already limited healthcare systems.

  • Threats to public education funding could erode opportunity and stability for Alaska’s children and educators.

  • The future of a viable healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural Alaska, hangs in the balance.

  • Drilling and mining decisions will shape the Arctic, Pebble Mine, Cook Inlet, and the Tongass for generations.

  • Ensuring that Alaskans are paid a living wage remains essential to keeping families strong and communities thriving.

  • Bodily autonomy for all Alaskans is in question.

  • The future of democracy in Alaska depends on whether we can build lasting, local power.

Progressive wins are possible when campaigns are led by people who understand their communities and when staff have the skills to organize effectively. Strong candidates matter, but no candidate can win without a capable campaign team that knows how to engage voters, strengthen coalitions, and keep campaigns strategic and grounded in Alaska’s values.

Filling the Gap

Alaska already has strong candidate training programs for labor, women, Democrats, and Alaska Native leadership. What is missing is a program focused on campaign staff: managers, field directors, treasurers, the people who make campaigns work. Northern Campaign Academy fills that gap by offering nonpartisan, accessible, in-depth training that complements existing programs and builds long-term capacity.

Our Approach

We are building a pipeline of trained campaign staff from working-class, rural Alaskan, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Our model includes comprehensive training, direct matching with campaigns, and ongoing mentorship and strategy exchange. This approach ensures Alaskans are ready to lead not just in 2026 but in every election cycle.