Forrest Dunbar first Alaskan "Millennial" to win Statewide Primary

Press Release

On Tuesday night, with more than 80% of the Democratic vote, Forrest Dunbar became the first "Millennial" to represent a major party in the statewide general election in Alaskan history. The "Millennial Generation" is loosely defined as those born between the years 1981 and the early 2000's. Dunbar was born in 1984, and is currently 29 years old.

"I am seeking to represent all Alaskans, regardless of their generation," said Dunbar after winning the Democratic congressional primary on August 19th, "But in a state where the average age is 34, it's important that Millennials also have a seat at the table. My opponent and I agree on a lot of things, but there are some issues where he is completely out of touch with young people."

Among those issues on which they agree, Dunbar says, are North Slope development, Eielson's F-35s, and the road to King Cove. "Don Young and I both believe in developing Alaska, and that means building necessary infrastructure in our communities, keeping places like Eielson AFB active, and bringing our resources to market."

Where they disagree, says Dunbar, are on issues where Don is out of step with the average 34-year-old Alaskan.

"I support a woman's right to choose, and to have access to birth control without getting her boss' permission," continued Dunbar, "I support equal protection for same-sex couples, and know that the DREAM act is a good idea too. Rep. Young loudly and publicly disagrees with all of these things."

Congressman Young has been vocal in his opposition to the DREAM Act, which allows conditional residency for a limited number of immigrants who came to the country as children, and who have graduated high school, gone to college, or served in the military. Young has also stated he opposes same-sex marriage, even praising DOMA (recently struck down as unconstitutional), and came out strongly in favor of the recent Hobby Lobby decision that gives bosses' religious preferences control over their female employees' healthcare decisions.

At 29 and 81, respectively, Dunbar and Young have the largest age gap of any two Alaskan Congressional candidates to ever face one another in the general election.

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