Fairbanks, AK - Newcomer and Republican candidate Greg Bringhurst won the primary election for house District one Tuesday night. Bringhurst is the communications manager for the Tanana Chiefs Conference. He says he tried not to get too excited before the elections results came in. “You know we weren’t speculating on anything," he laughs. "We were just staying kind of humble and we were hoping for the best, but you never know.”
Bringhurst defeated Jomo Stewart, who was also a newcomer to the Alaska Political scene. In November, Bringhurst will run against long-time Democrat, Scott Kawasaki, who has represented the downtown Fairbanks district since 2007. Bringhurst says he has many ideas he will bring to that race. “Well, we’re going to continue progress on some of the energy needs," he says. "Public safety is a really big issue and community wellness is a really big issue for this district. So, I want to continue to work on those issues that are important to folks.”
Bringhurst was unwilling to comment on the efforts of Scott Kawasaki over the last seven years. “You know. I’m not a lifelong politician kind of guys. I’m just trying to be a public servant, do my little part and hope for the best and do the best I can.” The life-long Fairbanksan says he'll try to keep his message positive during the campaign season.
Election Day is the First Tuesday in November.