FAIRBANKS — Tom Begich officially introduced Julia Hnilicka as his choice for Lieutenant Governor Wednesday afternoon at a special event in Fairbanks attended by supporters, community members, and local leaders.

Tom Begich said he selected Hnilicka because she brings the perspective of our next generation, deep ties to rural Alaska, and firsthand understanding of the challenges facing Alaskan families and communities.

Hnilicka grew up in Nenana and has spent years working closely with Alaska Native communities, educators, families, and young people. Begich said her experience listening to communities and understanding the realities people face every day will be a major part of the campaign and the administration they hope to build.

Hnilicka later served as Alaska State Director for USDA Rural Development, where she traveled across the state listening directly to rural communities and helped deliver more than $1.8 billion for broadband, energy, housing, community facilities, workforce development, and rural infrastructure.

“Julia understands both the beauty and the hardship of living in Alaska,” Tom Begich said. “She knows what it feels like when costs rise faster than wages, when young people wonder if they can afford to stay, and when communities feel ignored by leaders. She brings compassion, urgency, and a strong understanding of the people this campaign is fighting for.”

Begich said Hnilicka will help lead the campaign’s work on energy, housing affordability, healthcare access, youth retention, and strengthening relationships with rural and Alaska Native communities.

Hnilicka spoke about wanting to help build an Alaska where young people can stay, families can thrive, and communities can feel hopeful about the future again.

“I joined Tom in this campaign because I believe Alaska’s future is bright,” Hnilicka said. “Our greatest resources are our people, our Elders and youth, our ingenuity, and the deep networks of care that hold communities together. Alaskans deserve to live affordably, without fear of how to make ends meet, no matter where they choose to live. That starts by listening to communities, honoring Indigenous knowledge, protecting voting access, and investing in a future made in Alaska.”

The Fairbanks event included remarks from community leaders and speeches focused on affordability, education, housing, and restoring optimism about Alaska’s future.

Photos from the event are available upon request.

Campaign Contact: alex@tombegichforalaska.com