Skip to content
Alaska ballot
Photo of Julia Hnilicka

Julia Hnilicka

DemocraticFirst-time candidate

Teacher's assistant

Julia Hnilicka is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Julia Hnilicka earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2006 and 2020, respectively. Her career experience includes working as a teacher's assistant at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development. She also ran a small business for over a decade.[1][2]

Graduate:
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2020
Bachelor's:
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2006

Campaign themes

Julia Hnilicka did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a responsible businesswoman, an educated community advocate, and a lifelong resident of Nenana, Alaska. I am focused on transparency, communication, and problem-solving.

As a small, family business manager for Inland Barge Service, I balanced building project schedules and fiscal budgets, delivering on time and on budget for rural Alaska. Our business operated on an almost completely credit basis, trusting and knowing that people and projects didn't often have money until after work was completed. That long-term business sense is what's needed in Juneau right now to balance our books, and I have the business experience to deliver for rural Alaska. I am running to solve the budget crises that Alaska is facing.

During the summer of 2019 I traveled to 90 percent of the vast and diverse Alaska House District 6 as part of my graduate research for my Master's in Rural Development. My strong community bond, and love for the people of Alaska, has grown deeper as I've met and talked with people around District 6. Alaskans should not be made to feel afraid for our futures. We come from an abundant land and resilient people.

The Future is Alaskan.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education - Pre-K all the way through Trade School or University is essential for the futurePublic Safety - Alaskans need to feel secure to prosperBroadband - Access to technology will provide new opportunities to prosper in rural areas

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As an Alaskan, I enjoy the freedoms of being an American citizen including responsible gun ownership and the right to privacy.

Alaskans should develop their own resources. Alaskans care about their land, waters, and animals so we should be the ones in control of extractive projects in Alaska. We are the ones that will live with the repercussions of industry, we should be the ones benefiting directly along with our future generations.

Our Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program needs to be completely overhauled. Funds are axed from this program due to low officer numbers, these are jobs and roles that need to be filled in communities for safety and security.

Education is a long-term investment, we need to maintain education funding. We need to expand funding for trade schools and support our university system. We need creative innovation for diverse opportunities. We need to keep our young minds within Alaska, working for Alaska.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Bold, innovative, active listener, and determined.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A future for Alaska where young people have a plethora of opportunities and want to stay in Alaska for good jobs, access to freedom, and incredible educational opportunities.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

The very first job I held was when I was 14 at Coghill's General Store in Nenana, Alaska. I was hired by Marilyn Duggar (Coghill) and learned various tasks around the store. I learned how to greet customers, keep books, and pay attention to when shelves needed stocking.

I became acquainted with all walks of Nenana, this is when I learned what a vibrant and diverse community I came from. I worked there for three summers and it opened my eyes to daily struggles that I never personally experienced. My eyes were opened to the impacts of inequality.

Marilyn, who has always been an enormously positive influence in my life, showed me through example selfless generosity and caring. I watched her help those in need while maintaining healthy boundaries. She maintained Coghill's Store as a community focused business and showed me how important small businesses are to the health of communities.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

Source(opens in new tab)
Julia Hnilicka — Lieutenant Governor of Alaska candidate, 2026 | True Vote