Matt Schultz, a Democrat running for Alaska’s sole U.S. House seat, suspended his campaign on July 17 and threw his support to independent candidate Bill Hill.
Schultz, an Anchorage pastor, released a statement urging “all Democrats, Independents and all Alaskans who believe in protecting our democracy” to vote for Hill to oust first-term Republican U.S. Rep. Nick Begich.
“I entered this race because I believe public service is a moral calling, and because too many Alaskans feel unheard in the fight for a fairer, more just world,” Schultz said in his statement.
“But we are living through a moment when our democracy itself is under threat, and defeating Nick Begich and restoring a Democratic majority in the House must come before any one candidate or campaign. It has become clear to me in recent days that remaining in this race no longer serves that urgent purpose,” he said.
Hill, a commercial fisher and former teacher and school district superintendent, has gotten backing from labor unions, education and tribal organizations. He is Athabascan and from the Bristol Bay region, and he has support from Alaska Native organizations and prominent Alaska Native leaders.
Hill and Begich are considered front runners among the now 14 candidates for Alaska’s sole U.S. House seat. The top four vote-getters in the August primary will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.
After Schultz’s announcement, Hill issued a statement praising the candidate. Hill said he and Schultz “have similar motivations and values.”
“Today Matt made a tough and selfless decision to put Alaskans first. Matt has run a strong, grassroots, Alaskan campaign. He’s made a clear case for lower costs, affordable healthcare, and an end to the rampant corruption in DC. These are the same issues I’ve committed to fight for in Congress.”
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