May 14, 2026, Seward Folly

superintendent, earning the title of Alaska Superintendent of the Year in 2023. His background also includes decades of commercial fishing, construction, and running a small business with his wife, Diane.

“We have four children and seven grandchildren, and honestly, they’re a big part of why I’m running,” Hill said, his voice catching. “When I look at the world, at our nation, I get frustrated with where things are headed. We need someone who understands hard work, who knows what life in Alaska is really like, and who wants to make things better for people here.”

Hill’s support base is grassroots and broad. He raised over $200,000 on the first day of fundraising, a record for a non-incumbent in this race, and over $780,000 in the first quarter, mostly from individuals. His campaign is backed by several labor unions, including firefighters, educators, and trades, making it the only campaign in the race with broad union support. Hill says he wants to build a coalition that includes fishing communities, urban and rural residents, Native Alaskans, and working families.

Policy-wise, Hill takes what he calls an “all of the above” approach to energy, supporting both traditional and renewable sources. He’s advocated for practical solutions to the state’s high cost of living, such as supporting the Affordable Care Act’s extension. He is critical of decisions that have increased healthcare costs for Alaskans.

“Most families can’t afford that, so people are choosing between healthcare and food,” he said.

On other issues, Hill is clear about where he stands: “I’m registered as a nonpartisan. I’ve always been independent. Most Alaskans don’t fit neatly into a party box. I care about good education, healthcare for everyone, making life more livable, and rooting out corruption.”

Hill supports a ban on Congressional stock trading, saying, “In 2025 alone, members of Congress made over $600 million to buy and trade stocks using information they have, and we don’t. I support a full ban on congressional stock trading.”

He also backs public safety priorities, like free cancer screenings and safer gear for firefighters, and wants stricter rules on industrial fishing practices that threaten local communities.

Climate change is a top concern for Hill, shaped by his years as a science teacher.

“Over 98% of scientists agree that climate change is real. Anyone who’s lived in Alaska for decades has seen it: lakes and rivers that used to freeze solid now don’t ice over some winters. It’s happening fast here, and we need to be ready,” he said.

Hill notes that climate change is already affecting fisheries, with warming winters and shifting conditions putting pressure on communities that rely on fishing. He argues for better funding for fisheries science and support for rural villages facing unsustainable conditions due to environmental changes.

Education is another major focus for Hill, especially in rural Alaska. He warns that years of deferred maintenance have left many school facilities inadequate and that classrooms are often overcrowded, even in larger communities.

“Alaska used to attract hundreds of teacher applicants a year because of good pay and benefits, but now, with less job security and poorer retirement, it’s hard to keep teachers. Many leave after five years, just when they’ve really become effective. If we could keep them longer, the benefits to students would be enormous,” Hill explained. He believes that improving teacher retention and investing in rural schools are essential for Alaska’s future.

Meet and Greet in Seward and Homer. Photos by Kevin Groh

Hill addresses other hot-button issues as well. He supports a woman’s right to choose, gun rights, and Right to Repair legislation to help Alaskans fix their own equipment. At the Seward event, he called for Supreme Court term limits, restoring checks and balances, and ensuring ICE follows the rules. On technology, Hill urged caution and oversight on AI: “There needs to be some guardrails in place, and then you can make sure that it’s operating for the positive, in a positive manner, for our nation, or humanity. It’s a very powerful tool, and we’ve got to be careful with it.”

Throughout his campaign, Hill returns to his core message: he wants to represent regular Alaskans, not party interests or corporations. At the Seward meet and greet, several attendees voiced frustration with the incumbent, noting that he wasn’t born and raised in Alaska and often votes strictly along party lines. Many questioned whether he truly understands the unique challenges facing the 49th State. Hill’s easygoing manner and independent streak set him apart as someone deeply connected to Alaska’s people and way of life. As the race continues, Hill hopes voters will see him as the candidate who genuinely understands what it means to be Alaskan and who is ready to put their concerns first in Washington.