In MAGA Alaska, Democrat Mindy O’Neall Ousts Fairbanks GOP Mayoral Incumbent David Pruhs–Another “Team Blue” Triumph! October 12, 2025
Alaska– “The Last Frontier.”Alaska– the 49th State admitted to the Union on January 3, 1959. Alaska–the third least-populated state, with 733,000 people and the least densely populated one. Alaska, with its Inuits and Alaska Native tribes that include Aleuts, Yup’ik, Tlingits, and Athabascan, was initially considered by political analysts to be a state that would be in the Democratic camp which was and remains receptive to multi-racial and ethnic groups. Hawaii, the 50th state, admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959, which as a territory was strongly Republican, was believed by many to continue its GOP leanings as a state. Instead, the very opposite happened. Alaska backed a Democratic presidential candidate, LBJ, in his 1964 landslide, the only time it went “Blue” in its 65-year history. Hawaii, with many voters of Japanese American descent, were led by decorated amputee and WWII 4442nd Regimental Combat team hero Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Senate giant, to go Democratic almost all the time. Barack Obama, of course, was born and grew up in Hawaii as well.https://thalmanacofamericanpolitics.com/, 2026 , National Journal, 2024, pp. 57, 539
The discovery of North Slope oil in Alaska, the greatest single strike in U.S. history, pushed Alaska, like many other oil-producing states (Texas, Oklahoma), into the “Team Red” camp. The gun-friendly nature of many migrants who came to Alaska to work in the oil fields and related businesses also made this state a reliable part of the GOP coalition. In 2008, of course, GOP Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was John McCain’s VP running mate. https://thalmanacofamericanpolitics.com/, 2026, National Journal, 2024, p. 56
In 2024, Donald Trump carried Alaska 55%-41% over Kamala Harris, a 14 point margin, four points over his 10 point margin of victory in 2020 over Joe Biden. Donald’s 2024 Alaska margin roughly matched his 2016 margin over Hillary. https://thalmanacofamericanpolitics.com/, 2026 National Journal, 2024, p. 57 AK’s two U.S. Senators are also Republicans. Its current U.S. Representative GOPer Nick Begich defeated first-term Democrat Mary Pelota when she ran for re-election in 2024. AK also has a GOP Governor and all its down-ballot officers are Republicans. Its State Senate and State House also have a “Team Red” majority. https://thalmanacofamericanpolitics.com/, 2026 National Journal,2024, pp.57, 59, 64, 67 IMHO, AK is, therefore, MAGA country.
That is why the results of a mayoral race that took place on October 7, 2025 constituted a big, shocking, and surprising win for Democrats. On that date, in the City of Fairbanks, Alaska, incumbent GOP Mayor David Pruhs conceded to Democratic challenger Mindy O’Neall. O’ Neall defeated Pruhs 54%-45.7 %, an 8.3% margin. True, mayoral races are not congressional or senatorial ones, but in a small populated state like Alaska, they constitute fairly significant contests.https://newsweek.com, Republican Ousted By Democratic Election Defeat, 10/08/25 Fairbanks, AK, is the second largest city in that state with a population of 32, 515. GOPers have held the mayor’s chair in Fairbanks for nearly a decade, and according to KUAC TV, an incumbent mayor hasn’t been unseated for most of a decade.https://newsweek.com About 15%-20% of registered AK voters usually vote in recent city elections.https://dailykos.com
Pruhs took office as Mayor of Fairbanks on October 24, 2022. He had previously served on the Fairbanks City Council. He is a real estate broker and started hosting various talk shows on KFAR in 2016. He unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the AK House of Representatives. https://wikimediacommons Politically conservative Pruhs was backed by local GOPers in this race. O’Neall, the presiding officer of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (city) was endorsed by the Democratic Party. O’Neall and her fellow Democrats emphasized getting out their vote, always crucial in winning elections. https://newsweek.com
O’Neall grew up in Iowa and moved to Alaska in 2004. She worked for the AK Legislature, the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, and the Interior Gas Utility. She also served as a labor business representative. More than 10 years ago, O’Neall started Blue Canoe Media, a boutique marketing and political/communications consulting firm. She earned a BA from Iowa State University and an M.A. from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks where she focused on helping relocate Alaska Native villages affected by climate change. “Cold Climate Housing Research Center” She stated that her first priority as mayor will be addressing Fairbanks’ homelessness crisis. She also plans to emphasize revitalizing that city’s downtown area where she hopes to bring in new energy.https://www.youralaskalink.com/homepage/meet-fairbanks-new-mayor-mindy-oneall/article_028bc233-802e-4edb-b914-96c8246bd1b9.html
O’Neall wants to make sure that public safety is increased and rooted in trust. After her victory, O’Neall noted that her campaign had proven that Fairbanks “still believes in listening, planning, and bringing people together to solve problems. Our campaign was built on collaboration and compassion, and that’s exactly how I’ll lead.”https://newsweek.com
GOPer Pruhs, despite apologizing, may have been hurt among Native American voters by an April 25, 2025 social media post in which he called Native Americans “visitors,” not residents of Fairbanks. He also wrote in this post about not finding “any beat up toilets” in the Fairbanks Golden Heart plaza, and criticized graffiti on a Fairbanks bridge. He additionally claimed to know who that tagger was. Adrian Peterson, 4/28/2025 When he conceded defeat to O’Neall Pruhs blamed everyone but himself. He attacked the Democratic Party as well as low voter turnout for his loss and stated that it took “a perfect storm” for Democrat O’Neall to take his mayoral seat. https://newsweek.com
O’Neall’s election is expected to be certified by October 24, 2025. She will officially be sworn into office two days later on October 27.https://www.youralaskalink.com/homepage/meet-fairbanks-new-mayor-mindy-oneall/article_028bc233-802e-4edb-b914-96c8246bd1b9.html
Alaska Democrats hope that flipping this mayoral seat is an indication that their party will be able to compete in statewide contests for the Senate and House in 2026. Still, based on AK’s heavily “Red” history, Democrats will need, as defeated GOP mayor Pruhs previously stated, “a perfect storm” to do that. AK has elected only one Democratic Senator since 1981 and only one “Blue” House member since 1973, while Donald easily won this “Last Frontier” by double digits in 2016, 2020, and 2024.https://newsweek.com Still, this Democratic upset matters. It indicates that the “Blue” tide is creeping into even the “Reddest” regions. And, as many pundits have repeatedly noted, Democrats are overperforming by approximately 15% on average in 40+ races since Trump’s 2024 re-election. Therefore, no place in the U.S. is untouchable for “Team Blue,” even in MAGA strongholds with an unpopular Donald leading the GOP. Once again, congratulations Democratic-Mayor-Elect Mindy O’Neall!
