Democratic Candidate for Governor Les Gara Out Performs Dunleavy in Campaign Contributions!

Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Les Gara reported today $533,583.50 in campaign contributions, blowing past Governor Dunleavy who reported just over $300,000.00 in donations. Gara's reported campaign income includes a $25,000 contribution made by Gara himself last September.

Gara began his campaign with just $5,901.08 cash on hand and since then over 1,500 individuals have donated, hopeful that the Democrat can bring trust and respect back to the Governor's Mansion.

According to his campaign disclosure report, Gara has a whopping $454,706.45 cash on hand as opposed to Dunleavy's $253,406.64. Gara's campaign is reporting just $1,047.35 of outstanding debt.

On Twitter this evening, Gara said he believed that more Alaskans want change than the status quo and that his campaign knew the battle would be fought against outside corporate money that funds Dunleavy.

"He's their guy," Gara wrote.

Gara's fundraising disclosure comes a day after Palmer resident, teacher, and former vice president for both Alaska’s and Anchorage’s education associations Jessica Cook announced she was running for Lt. Governor alongside Gara.

Cook is a 20-year public school teacher. She was raised in a military family and married her husband Ed, an Air Force veteran. Cook has three children, five grandchildren, and has earned two master’s degrees in education.

“Jessica brings energy, intelligence, and a needed perspective to a state where people see little commitment to public education,” said Gara. Gara and Cook have known each other for over a decade.

I don't know about you but I'm pretty excited that so many Alaskans have been supportive of a truly Progressive gubernatorial candidate! You can learn more about the Gara-Cook campaign here.