Challenges Faced by Mike Dunleavy (politician): Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Mike Dunleavy (politician)'s life and career.

Mike Dunleavy is the current governor of Alaska, serving since 2018. A Republican, he previously served in the Alaska Senate from 2013 to 2018. Dunleavy won the 2018 gubernatorial election against Mark Begich after the incumbent Bill Walker withdrew. He secured reelection in 2022, continuing his leadership in the state.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 2017: Abandoned Gubernatorial Race Due to Heart Problems

In September 2017, Mike Dunleavy abandoned his campaign for governor due to heart problems.

January 3, 2019: Requested Presidential Disaster Declaration

On January 3, 2019, Governor Dunleavy requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for federal assistance to Alaska.

January 2019: Announcement to Repeal SB91

In January 2019, Governor Dunleavy announced plans to repeal and replace Senate Bill 91 (SB91) and declare "war on criminals" by proposing bills to increase criminal penalties and reduce parole.

February 2019: Abolishment of Climate Change Task Force

In February 2019, Governor Dunleavy abolished Alaska's climate change task force, a team that was originally instated by Bill Walker, deeming it unnecessary.

July 15, 2019: Recall Effort Began

On July 15, 2019, an effort to recall Governor Dunleavy began after a public backlash over his cuts to public assistance, education and the University of Alaska.

July 2019: Veto of Abortion Funding

In July 2019, Governor Dunleavy vetoed $334,700 from the court system's budget that was allocated for the state to pay for abortions.

August 2019: Issued Disaster Declaration Due to Wildfires

In August 2019, Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration as a result of multiple wildfires in Alaska, which burned 2.6 million acres.

September 5, 2019: Recall Petition Signatures Submitted

On September 5, 2019, volunteers submitted 49,006 petition signatures in an effort to recall Governor Dunleavy. To have the petition certified by the Division of Elections, the petitioners were required to submit 28,501 signatures.

September 2019: Comments on Arctic Warming Benefits

In September 2019, during a meeting at the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds with Mark Gordon, Governor Dunleavy stated that warming the Arctic could be beneficial for Alaska, as it could lead to further business opportunities.

October 2019: Clash over Green New Deal

In October 2019, Governor Dunleavy clashed with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter regarding the Green New Deal proposal, asserting that it would significantly impact our civilization.

November 4, 2019: Recall Petition Declined

On November 4, 2019, the Division of Elections declined to certify the recall petition against Governor Dunleavy, following a legal opinion by Attorney General Kevin Clarkson stating that the allegations did not meet the grounds for recall.

January 2020: Judge Rejected Decision Not to Certify Recall Petition

In January 2020, Anchorage Superior Court Judge Eric Aarseth rejected the division's decision not to certify the recall petition against Governor Dunleavy.

March 11, 2020: State of Emergency Declaration

On March 11, 2020, Governor Dunleavy's office declared a state of emergency to ensure that all entities had the necessary resources to respond to the impending arrival of COVID-19 in Alaska.

May 2020: Response to George Floyd Murder and Protests

In May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Governor Dunleavy called the act "horrific" and thanked Alaskans for their peaceful protests, while also expressing concern about the potential spread of COVID-19 during the protests.

November 2020: Recall Effort Failed to Trigger Election

In November 2020, the "Recall Dunleavy" effort failed to submit enough signatures to trigger a recall election.

March 2021: "Unlocking Alaska" Initiative Announced

In March 2021, Governor Dunleavy announced the "Unlocking Alaska" initiative to assert state control over approximately 800,000 miles of Alaska's navigable waters, aiming to reduce federal interference and enhance state management.

April 2021: Free Vaccinations for Tourists

In April 2021, Governor Dunleavy announced that Alaska would offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to tourists at major airports starting June 1, as part of the United States' vaccination campaign.

February 2022: Denouncement of Ambler Road Project Suspension

In February 2022, Governor Dunleavy denounced the Biden administration's request for suspension of the Ambler Road Project, criticizing it as a war on Alaska and a hindrance to accessing American sources of copper and other strategic minerals.