By SUZANNE DOWNING
Feb. 22, 2026 – An attendee at the Alaska Democratic Party’s Central Committee meeting this month says so-called “undeclared” congressional candidate Bill Hill made clear to party insiders that he would align with Democrats if elected.
In a lengthy social media post describing the meeting, the attendee, who is a political campaign strategist and Democrat, wrote that Hill was pressed repeatedly on which party he would caucus with in Congress.
According to her account, Hill initially avoided giving a direct answer, but eventually said that “if I were voting today with the current configuration, I would caucus with the Democrats.”
The statement is notable because Hill has previously declined to commit publicly to either party, presenting himself as an independent alternative in Alaska’s congressional race.
The post described the weekend meeting as featuring Democratic candidates for statewide office, including gubernatorial hopefuls and congressional candidate Matt Schultz, as well as Hill, who was introduced as an independent.
The writer said Hill’s remarks and answers raised concerns among progressive activists who have questioned whether he is running as a centrist placeholder rather than offering clear ideological commitments.
She characterized Hill’s eight-minute speech as focused largely on his “Real Alaskan” biography, with limited discussion of policy beyond affordability and abortion rights.
Her sharpest criticism centered on Hill’s responses regarding immigration enforcement and federal law enforcement agencies. She argued that his comments about accountability were vague compared to other candidates who spoke more directly about Immigration and Customs Enforcement and related issues.
The writer also compared Hill’s reluctance to provide firm commitments to national figures such as Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who have frustrated Democratic activists by breaking with party leadership.
Hill has gained attention in the race as a well-funded candidate with support from political networks that see him as a potentially stronger general election challenger to Republican incumbent Nick Begich III than Matt Schultz, who entered the contest earlier and has positioned himself as a more openly hard-Democrat option.
The attendee’s post suggests that, at least in front of party activists, Hill ultimately acknowledged he would caucus with Democrats, a disclosure that may complicate his independent branding as the campaign moves forward.
7 thoughts on “Activist says ‘undeclared’ congressional candidate Bill Hill told Democrat gathering he would caucus with Democrats”
At least he isn’t a registered Republican doing it.
Good point.
At this point any Alaska candidate who declares themselves an “Independent” is automatically a Democrat in my mind. I vote accordingly. We’ve all been burned too many times. I know there are plenty of phony Republicans as well, and wish the party did a much better job of vetting. Suzanne, please don’t ever retire.
Bjorkman, Merrick, Kopp, Stutes, Stevens, Giessel, Kaufman, Bishop, Stedman are recent examples of “republicans” who lied to their constituents about being republican. They all promptly joined with and empowered democrats who then were able to control the legislature “after” they were elected. If you’re going to walk like a democrat, join with democrats, vote like a democrat, quit lying and just be the democrat you are.
Then you have the liars who try to convince everyone they are “independent”! A caustic joke on Alaskans if ever there was. That’s the calvin Schragge’s whole claim to be independent but are funded by democrats, caucus with democrats, vote with democrats and align with democrats.
Scott you are correct 100%. With RARE exception, if someone claims to be independent or non partisan in Alaska? They are a wolf in sheep’s clothing, they’re a democrat.
Chris Constant told me,in an email,that he is nonpartisan. That was just before the ran for congress as a Democrat tells you all you need to know
The Alaska Democratic Party’s Central Committee is trying to elect their own candidate, Matt Schultz.
Your ‘activist’ is simply trying to undermine Bill’s credibility, in general.
On Mr. Hill’s website, he says he supports abortion. Not too many conservatives share that view. Some Rs, but not real conservatives.