FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2026
medaforalaska.com
Meda DeWitt Announces Candidacy for Alaska Governor on Elizabeth Peratrovich Day
Anchorage, Alaska — On Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, Meda DeWitt today announced her candidacy for Governor of Alaska, honoring the legacy of civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich by committing to leadership rooted in dignity, equal voice, and courage.
“Elizabeth Peratrovich stood before the Alaska Territorial Legislature in 1945 and reminded our state of who we are capable of being,” DeWitt said. “She spoke not only for Alaska Native people but also for the principle that no one should be treated as less than human. Today, I step forward in that same spirit — to build an Alaska where every person’s voice matters, where communities shape their own future, and where we govern with integrity and respect.”
Meda DeWitt is a lifelong Alaskan, Lingít (Tlingit), educator, traditional healer, and community organizer. For more than a decade, she has worked across the community, nonprofit, academic, Tribal, and ANCs, and policy sectors to strengthen collaboration, advance community well-being, and bridge divides between rural and urban Alaska.
Her campaign will focus on:
- Self-determination and accountable government: ensuring that decisions are made as close to the people they affect as possible and that public institutions remain transparent and responsive.
- Strong families and resilient communities: investing in education, public safety, and local economies to support Alaskans in building stable, meaningful lives.
- Responsible stewardship of land, water, and natural systems: protecting Alaska’s natural wealth while supporting sustainable economic opportunity.
- Preparing the next generation: aligning energy, workforce, and infrastructure strategies with long-term prosperity.
“Alaska is at a crossroads,” DeWitt said. “We can continue down a path of division and short-term thinking, or we can choose a future grounded in courage, cooperation, and responsibility to those who come after us. I am running for Governor because I believe in the strength of our people and the promise of this place.”
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day commemorates the historic passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, one of the first civil rights laws in the United States. DeWitt said launching her campaign on this day is a reminder that lasting change begins when ordinary people decide to lead.
“Our history shows that when Alaskans stand together, we shape the moral direction of this state,” she said. “This campaign belongs to the people. I invite every Alaskan to join us.”
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About Meda DeWitt
Meda DeWitt is a community leader committed to strengthening Alaska through service, cultural integrity, and collaborative leadership. She lives in Alaska with her family and has dedicated her career to advancing health, stewardship, and civic engagement across the state.
For more information or to get involved, visit medaforalaska.com