By THE ALASKA STORY
May 27, 2026 – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Begich announced Wednesday that Julia Hnilicka agreed to be his running mate, becoming the first Democrat candidate in Alaska’s crowded governor’s race to finalize a ticket ahead of the June 1 filing deadline.
Begich, a former state senator from Anchorage, made the announcement during an event in Fairbanks. Hnilicka, 40, most recently served as the Alaska state director for rural development under the US Department of Agriculture during the Biden administration and briefly as director of the Alaska Public Interest Research Group.
The move comes as candidates face increasing pressure to complete their tickets before next week’s filing deadline. Under Alaska election law, gubernatorial candidates must file jointly with a lieutenant governor candidate in order to remain in the race after the deadline passes.
There are currently 18 candidates running for governor. Eleven candidates have yet to announce a running mate. Another Democratic candidate, Matt Claman, said he plans to reveal his lieutenant governor pick on Thursday. Others will likely do the same on Thursday or Friday.
Raised in Nenana, Hnilicka graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, earning a master’s degree in rural development. Her background includes work in economic development, academia, transportation, and rural business operations.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Hnilicka worked as a project manager for the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation from 2021 to 2022. Before that, she was a teaching assistant in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development while completing graduate studies.
She also spent more than 13 years as business manager for Inland Barge Service Inc. in Nenana.
Hnilicka previously ran unsuccessfully for the Alaska House in 2020 in District 6, losing to Mike Cronk.
News of Tom Begich’s selection had been leaked several days before Wednesday’s formal announcement.
6 thoughts on “Tom Begich finalizes his ticket with lieutenant governor pick”
Wow. An AWFL. Again, I’m shocked.
Gee, no snide commentary on your part about Begich being a musician ?
After this poor selection of a running mate, NB1 would prefer to stay missing.
Her only work history is with her dad on his barge service. Wait til Begich learns about her dating history and past relationships. It will make Sarah Palin look like a nun.
LOL……at his old age, Begich will do anything for a last fling.
Got yoga? She used to be a yoga instructor. So, maybe down doggie?