Alaska Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, who was raised in Cordova, will deliver the keynote address at the state Democratic Party’s 2026 convention in Cordova on the evening of April 18.
Dunbar will speak during the convention banquet at The Cordova Center.
Highlights of the convention will be hosting Democrats from around the state, getting to meet candidates, and being involved in the process to endorse party platforms and resolutions, according to Nancy Bird, co-coordinator for the convention along with fellow Cordova resident Kate Williams.
Major state and national candidates expected to participate include gubernatorial hopefuls Sen. Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, and former legilators Rep. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, and Jonathn Kreiss-Tompkins, D-Sitka. Other candidates planning on attending are U.S. Senate candidates Mary Peltola, of Bethel, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Matt Schultz, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Anchorage.
All registered Democrats are welcome to attend, either as official delegates or as guests.
The convention begins on Friday, April 17, with all-day work sessions, followed by a game night where convention participants and others get to mingle and play games, concluding with trivia with a special section focused on Alaska Democratic party history. The evening, to be hosted by Gulf Coast and Cordova Democratic, includes a salmon chilli and pizza dinner at the Pioneer Igloo, beginning at 6 p.m. The event is open to all, with suggested donations to cover the cost of the food and raise money for the state Democratic Party.
The convention is slated to wrap up by noon on Sunday, April 19.
Travel to Cordova is available on Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Marine Highway aboard the M/V Aurora on Thursday, April 16, with a return trip to Anchorage leaving Cordova early in the morning of April 19.
Lodging options include rooms at the Reluctant Fisherman and Prince William Motel.
The Alaska Republican Party will host its convention from May 8-9 in Soldotna.
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Correction: A previous version of this story misstated that Dunbar was born in Cordova. He was born in the Lower 48, and his parents, Alaska residents since 1978, brought him back to Alaska when he was 6 weeks old. It was also updated to include Jonathn Kreiss-Tompkins’ to attend.
