In a surprising political upset, Democrat Mindy O’Neall has defeated Republican incumbent Mayor David Pruhs in the mayoral election for Fairbanks, Alaska — the state’s second most populous city.
Unofficial election night results show O’Neall won 1,808 votes (54%) compared to Pruhs’ 1,528 (45.7%). While Fairbanks’ ballots do not list party affiliations, Pruhs was backed by local Republican groups and O’Neall was endorsed by the Alaska Democratic Party. Her victory marks a significant shift in a city that has been governed by Republicans for nearly a decade.
Pruhs, who was elected in 2022, officially conceded on Tuesday night after the vote totals were released.
O’Neall currently serves as the presiding officer of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly and has been a vocal advocate for increased civic engagement and progressive policy reforms. Her victory adds momentum to Alaska Democrats, who are eyeing more competitive statewide races in 2026, including contests for the U.S. Senate, House, and Governor.
While Alaska has historically leaned red, with former President Donald Trump carrying the state by double digits in 2016, 2020, and 2024, Democrats see O’Neall’s victory as a sign of growing voter openness in urban centers like Fairbanks and Anchorage.
The upset comes at a time of growing political activity in the state, particularly ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. With Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy term limited, a crowded field of candidates has already emerged. Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson recently announced his candidacy, becoming the 13th person and 12th Republican to enter the race.
Democrats currently have only one declared candidate: former Anchorage state Sen. Tom Begich. However, party leaders are holding out hope that former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola will enter the race. Peltola remains one of the most popular political figures in the state, having earned a strong favorability rating in recent polling.
Republicans, meanwhile, are facing a potentially bruising primary with major figures like Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, former Attorney General Treg Taylor, and former Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum already in the mix.
With the Alaska gubernatorial primary not scheduled until August 2026 and the official filing deadline still months away, both parties are working to solidify their strategies. But for now, Democrats are celebrating an early win and hoping O’Neall’s victory is a sign of more to come.
Hard to believe anyone would vote democrat these days.
Actually, it is part of a trend in Alaska. For years, liberals have been pushing to turn it blue. Nine years go, the MSM ignored a story about a trans high school student in Alaska, an immigrant from Thailand. Liberals in Alaska were thrilled to support the trans student wanting to compete in girls track events. Some parents initially went along, but quickly realized the trans was winning all the events, shutting their daughters out of college scholarships. The liberal pillars of the communities began going on rants against “trans phobia” so the trans kept competing. Alaska finally banned trans from girls sports in 2023.