1990 Alaska gubernatorial election

Candidates

Democratic Party

The major Democratic candidates were Tony Knowles, former mayor of Anchorage (from 1981 to 1987) and future governor (from 1994 to 2002), and incumbent lieutenant governor Stephen McAlpine, who had served since 1982. Knowles defeated McAlpine in the Democratic primary.

Republican Party

In the Republican primary, state senator Arliss Sturgulewski, who was also the Republican nominee in 1986, defeated Jim Campbell, Rick Halford and Don Wright.

Alaskan Independence Party

The initial Alaskan Independence Party candidate was John Lindauer, who won the primary. However, many conservative Republicans, dissatisfied with Sturgulewski's positions on social issues such as abortion, persuaded former Republican Governor Wally Hickel to run on the Alaskan Independence ticket. The party pushed Lindauer aside to make way for Hickel and lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Jack Coghill.

Others

Environmentalist and homeless rights activist Michael O'Callaghan ran as the candidate of The Political Party.

Results

Former governor Wally Hickel defeated Knowles, Sturgulewski, and other minor candidates to return to the governor's office.

References

References

1. Hanlon, Tegan. (2015-10-27). "Former Alaska first lady Michael Margaret Stewart, ex-wife of Steve Cowper, dead at 62". [[Alaska Dispatch News]].
2. "1990 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results – Alaska". Alaska Division of Elections.
3. (March 8, 2020). "How Michael O'Callaghan went from Anchorage activist to Portland's homeless mayoral candidate". Anchorage Daily ews.
4. (June 17, 2009). "Alleyway activism". Anchorage Press.
5. "1990 Gubernatorial General Election Results – Alaska". Alaska Division of Elections.