Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Mike Dunleavy (politician)

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Mike Dunleavy (politician).

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.

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

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.

June 28, 2019: Exercised Line-Item Veto Authority

On June 28, 2019, Mike Dunleavy exercised line-item veto authority as governor to make cuts of $433 million, including a cut of $130 million (41%) of state contributions to the University of Alaska.

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.

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.

September 2020: Agreed to Reimburse State for Partisan Advertisements

In September 2020, Mike Dunleavy agreed to reimburse the state $2,800 for allegedly partisan advertisements that were paid for with state funds.

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.

January 2022: Calls on legislators to improve election integrity

In January 2022, Mike Dunleavy urged legislators to "improve election integrity" by implementing measures such as prohibiting automatic voter registration, tracking absentee balloting, requiring signature verification, and maintaining voter rolls. Dunleavy stated that these measures aimed to address concerns and worries related to the integrity of elections in Alaska.

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.

May 2022: Expresses opposition to termination of Title 42

In May 2022, Mike Dunleavy voiced his opposition to the Center for Disease Control's decision to terminate Title 42, arguing that the termination order would be detrimental to states enforcing immigration standards and that it contradicted the Biden Administration's declarations regarding COVID-19.

September 6, 2022: Complaint Filed Against Dunleavy Campaign

On September 6, 2022, a complaint was filed against Mike Dunleavy alleging that his campaign was paying staffers with state funds.

2023: Signs House Bill 61 into law

In 2023, Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 61 into law, preventing state and local officials from closing gun stores during declared disasters unless all other businesses face the same closures. According to Dunleavy, this action reflected Alaskans' constitutional right to bear arms by safeguarding access to both firearms and ammunition when Alaskans need it most.