Democrats target their own in state House primary, backing Nageak challenger

Dean Westlake is challenging Barrow Rep. Bennie Nageak in the Democratic primary; in 2014, Westlake lost the race by 131 votes. Photo: Rachel Waldholz/Alaska’s Energy Desk
Democrats are hoping to take control of the state House this year. To achieve that, they’re gunning for two lawmakers who run as Democrats but largely vote with the Republicans.
One is Rep. Bennie Nageak, D-Barrow, who represents House District 40, which stretches from Kotzebue to Kaktovik.
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