Get To Know Our Local Candidates
Election Day is Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Fairbanks City Mayoral Candidate
Candidate Profile: Mayor David Pruhs
Running for Re-Election – Mayor of Fairbanks
Background:
David Pruhs is a lifelong Fairbanks resident, small business owner, and proud advocate for local government accountability. With decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, Mayor Pruhs brings steady leadership and deep community roots to City Hall.
Public Service:
Mayor Pruhs is committed to preserving the unique character of Fairbanks while ensuring its future is secure, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
David Pruhs is a lifelong Fairbanks resident, small business owner, and proud advocate for local government accountability. With decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, Mayor Pruhs brings steady leadership and deep community roots to City Hall.
Public Service:
- Currently serving as Mayor of Fairbanks
- Former member of the Fairbanks City Council
- Known for fostering cooperation among city departments and prioritizing public safety and fiscal responsibility
- Strengthening the local economy and supporting small businesses
- Maintaining public safety through strong partnerships with police and fire departments
- Improving infrastructure while keeping the budget balanced
- Advocating for responsible government that works for the people, not against them
Mayor Pruhs is committed to preserving the unique character of Fairbanks while ensuring its future is secure, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
Running against Mindy O'Neall
Registered: Democrat
Mindy O’Neal is a current member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly and an active leader in the Interior Alaska Democratic Party. Known for her progressive positions, she advocates for expanded borough services and is a prominent voice in local climate action initiatives.
Registered: Democrat
Mindy O’Neal is a current member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly and an active leader in the Interior Alaska Democratic Party. Known for her progressive positions, she advocates for expanded borough services and is a prominent voice in local climate action initiatives.
Fairbanks City Council Candidate
Candidate Profile: Hannah Ekalook
Candidate – Fairbanks City Council
Background:
Hannah Ekalook is a lifelong Fairbanks resident, small business owner, and devoted wife and mother of three. She brings the real-world perspective of working families to her candidacy, grounded in a strong commitment to service, community, and opportunity for all. Her deep local roots and active involvement in volunteer work reflect her passion for giving back and making Fairbanks a place where families can thrive.
Experience & Community Involvement:
- Key Priorities:
- Support smart development & small business growth
- Keep taxes reasonable while investing in key services
- Strengthen public safety partnerships
- Address homelessness and addiction through coordinated efforts
- Represent everyday Fairbanks residents, including underrepresented voices
Hannah Ekalook is stepping forward to serve because she believes Fairbanks deserves leadership rooted in community, compassion, and common sense. Her goal is to be a voice for everyday people—working families, small business owners, and those seeking honest, responsive government. She’s ready to work hard to ensure Fairbanks remains a safe, vibrant, and inclusive place for all.
Running against Incumbent: Susan Sprinkle
Registered:
Susan Sprinkle is an incumbent member of the Fairbanks City Council. She is known for supporting progressive policies and frequently aligns with positions that expand city government involvement in social and regulatory issues. Her voting record reflects a consistent support for left-leaning initiatives within city governance.
Registered:
Susan Sprinkle is an incumbent member of the Fairbanks City Council. She is known for supporting progressive policies and frequently aligns with positions that expand city government involvement in social and regulatory issues. Her voting record reflects a consistent support for left-leaning initiatives within city governance.
FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Candidate Profile: Melissa Burnett
President, Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board
Running for Re-Election
Background:
Melissa Burnett is a strong, steady voice for families, students, and teachers in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. A longtime Fairbanks resident, parent, and community advocate, she brings practical leadership and a deep commitment to local values in education.
Public Service:
Under Melissa’s leadership, the School Board has faced tough decisions related to budget shortfalls and shifting student needs. She has stood firm in advocating for common-sense solutions that prioritize educational excellence without sacrificing accountability.
Why She’s Running:
Melissa is running for re-election to continue fighting for a school system that reflects the values of Fairbanks families—focused on students, guided by parents, and accountable to taxpayers.
Melissa Burnett is a strong, steady voice for families, students, and teachers in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. A longtime Fairbanks resident, parent, and community advocate, she brings practical leadership and a deep commitment to local values in education.
Public Service:
- Current President of the FNSB School Board
- Leading the district during one of the most challenging times in recent history
- Respected for her transparency, level-headed leadership, and dedication to student-focused policies
- Addressing declining enrollment with smart, sustainable planning
- Tackling academic and behavioral challenges head-on with support for both students and educators
- Maintaining fiscal responsibility while protecting the classroom from unnecessary cuts
- Promoting parental involvement and local control in education decisions
Under Melissa’s leadership, the School Board has faced tough decisions related to budget shortfalls and shifting student needs. She has stood firm in advocating for common-sense solutions that prioritize educational excellence without sacrificing accountability.
Why She’s Running:
Melissa is running for re-election to continue fighting for a school system that reflects the values of Fairbanks families—focused on students, guided by parents, and accountable to taxpayers.
Running Against Naomi Hewitt
Registered: Democrat
Naomi Hewitt is a first-time candidate with no prior political experience. She is relatively unknown in the local political landscape and has professional ties to the IBEW union, where she serves as a business representative.
Registered: Democrat
Naomi Hewitt is a first-time candidate with no prior political experience. She is relatively unknown in the local political landscape and has professional ties to the IBEW union, where she serves as a business representative.
Candidate Profile: Audra Hull
Candidate for Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board
Background:
Audra Hull was born and raised in Texas but has proudly made Alaska her home. A devoted wife and mother, she has embraced life in the Interior and dedicated herself to raising her family and contributing to the community. Her experience as a parent fuels her passion for strengthening education and ensuring families have a voice in local schools. Audra brings a fresh perspective rooted in parental engagement and conservative values.
Experience & Values:
Audra believes that education should be a partnership between families, educators, and the community. She is running to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in a school system that reflects the values and expectations of Fairbanks families.
Audra Hull was born and raised in Texas but has proudly made Alaska her home. A devoted wife and mother, she has embraced life in the Interior and dedicated herself to raising her family and contributing to the community. Her experience as a parent fuels her passion for strengthening education and ensuring families have a voice in local schools. Audra brings a fresh perspective rooted in parental engagement and conservative values.
Experience & Values:
- Active parent and volunteer in local schools
- Advocate for transparent, student-centered decision-making
- Committed to restoring confidence in public education by emphasizing core academics, discipline, and respect for the role of families
- Strengthening academic performance across all grade levels
- Promoting responsible budgeting that protects the classroom
- Supporting teachers while ensuring accountability at every level
- Championing parental rights and increased community involvement in education
Audra believes that education should be a partnership between families, educators, and the community. She is running to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in a school system that reflects the values and expectations of Fairbanks families.
Running Against Chemetria "Sam" Spencer
Registered: Democrat
Chemetria Spencer is a construction manager and first-time candidate for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board. She is relatively unknown in local political and educational circles and has no prior experience in elected office.
Registered: Democrat
Chemetria Spencer is a construction manager and first-time candidate for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board. She is relatively unknown in local political and educational circles and has no prior experience in elected office.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly
Candidate Profile: Brett Rotermund
Incumbent – Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly
Running for Re-Election
Background:
Brett Rotermund is a lifelong Alaskan, local business owner, and U.S. Army veteran who serves on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly with integrity and quiet resolve. Known as a “man of few words,” Brett lets his actions and votes speak for themselves—always putting principle before politics.
Public Service:
Brett Rotermund doesn’t seek attention—he seeks results. His steady leadership and commitment to doing what’s right make him a reliable voice for the people of the borough. He’s running for re-election to keep government focused, limited, and accountable.
Brett Rotermund is a lifelong Alaskan, local business owner, and U.S. Army veteran who serves on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly with integrity and quiet resolve. Known as a “man of few words,” Brett lets his actions and votes speak for themselves—always putting principle before politics.
Public Service:
- Incumbent Borough Assembly member
- Trusted for his consistent, conservative decision-making
- Approaches issues with common sense, fiscal discipline, and a deep respect for the role of government
- Holding the line on taxes and government overreach
- Supporting economic growth and responsible budgeting
- Preserving local values and protecting individual freedoms
- Listening to constituents and showing up when it matters most
Brett Rotermund doesn’t seek attention—he seeks results. His steady leadership and commitment to doing what’s right make him a reliable voice for the people of the borough. He’s running for re-election to keep government focused, limited, and accountable.
Running Unopposed!
Candidate Profile: Dr. Barbara Haney
Incumbent – Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly
Running for Re-Election
Background:
Dr. Barbara Haney is a passionate advocate for Fairbanks, a university educator, and a staunch defender of conservative principles on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. While she may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Barbara never shies away from the tough issues and brings clarity, data, and conviction to every decision she makes.
Public Service:
Barbara is running for re-election because she believes Fairbanks deserves leadership that’s unafraid to speak up, stand firm, and challenge the status quo. Whether you agree with her or not, you always know where she stands—and it’s with the people.
Dr. Barbara Haney is a passionate advocate for Fairbanks, a university educator, and a staunch defender of conservative principles on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. While she may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Barbara never shies away from the tough issues and brings clarity, data, and conviction to every decision she makes.
Public Service:
- Serving on the FNSB Assembly since 2021
- Known for asking the hard questions and holding the line on fiscal responsibility
- Respected by leaders at both the state and federal levels for her depth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to conservative governance
- Brings a scholar’s mind and a taxpayer’s conscience to every policy discussion
- Limiting government overreach and defending individual freedoms
- Promoting economic development through a free-market approach
- Ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, with measurable outcomes
- Supporting local control and preserving Fairbanks’ unique character
Barbara is running for re-election because she believes Fairbanks deserves leadership that’s unafraid to speak up, stand firm, and challenge the status quo. Whether you agree with her or not, you always know where she stands—and it’s with the people.
Running Against Patrick Roach
Registered: Democrat
Patrick Roach is a first-time candidate running for the FNSB Assembly Seat I. A public defender by profession, Roach is supported by progressive organizations and positions himself in contrast to conservative leadership. His platform often reflects left-leaning priorities and broader government involvement.
Registered: Democrat
Patrick Roach is a first-time candidate running for the FNSB Assembly Seat I. A public defender by profession, Roach is supported by progressive organizations and positions himself in contrast to conservative leadership. His platform often reflects left-leaning priorities and broader government involvement.
Candidate Profile: J.T. McComas-Roe
Candidate – Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly
Background:
J.T. McComas-Roe is a licensed master plumber, small business owner, and proud Fairbanks resident of 12 years. He and his wife Megan, originally from Venetie, Alaska, share a home with their two Scottish Terriers—Hamilton and Hilda. With deep roots in both trade work and public service, J.T. brings hands-on experience, practical thinking, and a strong commitment to the community.
Public Service & Leadership Roles:
J.T. is running for Borough Assembly to ensure that the voices of working families, small businesses, and everyday residents are heard and respected. With a steady track record of public service and a practical mindset, he’s ready to serve Fairbanks with honesty, hard work, and hometown pride.
J.T. McComas-Roe is a licensed master plumber, small business owner, and proud Fairbanks resident of 12 years. He and his wife Megan, originally from Venetie, Alaska, share a home with their two Scottish Terriers—Hamilton and Hilda. With deep roots in both trade work and public service, J.T. brings hands-on experience, practical thinking, and a strong commitment to the community.
Public Service & Leadership Roles:
- Trustee, Alaska State Council on the Arts
- Member, City of Fairbanks Board of Plumber Examiners
- Former Member, FNSB Platting Board
- Former Member, FNSB Planning Commission
- Former Member, FAST Planning Technical Committee
- Former Member, State of Alaska Roads and Highways Advisory Board
- A licensed master plumber who understands the importance of infrastructure, regulation, and business accountability
- Brings a working-class perspective to local government—focused on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense leadership
- Committed to enhancing community livability while respecting property rights and local values
J.T. is running for Borough Assembly to ensure that the voices of working families, small businesses, and everyday residents are heard and respected. With a steady track record of public service and a practical mindset, he’s ready to serve Fairbanks with honesty, hard work, and hometown pride.
Running Against Jeanne Olson
Registered: Non-Partisan
Jeanne Olson is a veterinarian and North Pole resident running for the FNSB Assembly. Known for her love of animals and active involvement in community circles, she is focused on the animal shelter replacement project and improving local air quality. Jeanne is running a non-partisan, no-donation campaign rooted in service
Running Against Garret Armstrong
Registered: Democrat
Garrett Armstrong is a lifelong Fairbanks resident and a returning candidate for the FNSB Assembly, having previously run against Tammie Wilson. He is supported by the Interior Democrats and advocates for expanded public education funding, increased housing development, and enhanced services for seniors. His campaign emphasizes collaboration and progressive community-based solutions.
Registered: Non-Partisan
Jeanne Olson is a veterinarian and North Pole resident running for the FNSB Assembly. Known for her love of animals and active involvement in community circles, she is focused on the animal shelter replacement project and improving local air quality. Jeanne is running a non-partisan, no-donation campaign rooted in service
Running Against Garret Armstrong
Registered: Democrat
Garrett Armstrong is a lifelong Fairbanks resident and a returning candidate for the FNSB Assembly, having previously run against Tammie Wilson. He is supported by the Interior Democrats and advocates for expanded public education funding, increased housing development, and enhanced services for seniors. His campaign emphasizes collaboration and progressive community-based solutions.