Eric Hafner, a New York federal inmate, makes a run for Congress

Hafner pleaded guilty in 2022 to the charges, but that did not prevent him from filing for Alaska’s U.S. House seat. He originally came in sixth place with 467 votes in the state’s open primary election, behind Alaska Independence Party John Wayne Howe and far behind the top finishers, Democrat incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola and Republican businessman Nick Begich III.

Hafner was shuffled into fourth place in the candidate line after the third and fourth-ranked candidates withdrew from the race following the primary. A lawsuit filed by the Alaska Democratic Party to remove him from the Nov. 5 general election ballot failed on appeal.

Hafner ran for federal office twice before in other states: in 2016 in Hawaii as a Republican and in 2018 in Oregon as a Democrat.

Hafner doesn’t believe his current incarceration would hinder him from serving if he’s elected. He said he’s innocent of the charges, that his confession was done under duress and that he is appealing to overturn his plea conviction. Barring that, he believes he can earn a compassionate release from the Biden administration.

“Alaska deserve to have a real Democrat representing the state,” he told the News-Miner. “Mary Peltola has refused to endorse Kamala Harris and has sold out Alaska Natives to Big Oil.”

Other platform ideals include the legalization of all drugs, followed by their taxation and end of sanctions on the People’s Republic of China.

“We need to improve China-American relations, stop all the China-bashing and recognize that Taiwan is part of China,” Hafner said. “Ultimately I support a peaceful unification of China and Taiwan, but this is a cold war relic we rid ourselves of.”

He acknowledged the policy idea clashes with Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan’s support for Taiwan and the Alaska Delegation’s concerns about China’s potential threats to national security.

Hafner said he’s running on a platform of free college for all Americans, defending “access to abortion on demand” and protecting LGBQT rights. He added he believes he can best advocate for Indegionious affairs for Alaska in the House.

“I want to designate Fairbanks as the Indigenous capital of the U.S.,” Hafner said.

What makes you qualified to run for this position?

My employment experience/education includes:

• On Maui-Hawai’i Island promoted Native American sovereignty on criminal defense team successfully defended FULL ACQUITTAL. Native HawaiianNative American medical marijuana dispensary from corporate interests threatening Indigenous rights.

• Coordinated w/Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and NORML reforming unjust drug laws promoting harm reduction.

• Denver Teacher Union’s Supporting NATIONAL K-12 public education political campaigns

• Ammendment66 FieldworksLLCandDouglas County FastFood Fight for $15

• WashingtonDC Senegalese African Ambassador-Direct Support

• Ireland: LEGAL European Union Refugee immigration assistance

• Progressive Irish support electing local Irish National and European Union Candidates

FORMAL EDUCATION:

• Denver College Criminal Justice GRADUATE: Constitutional Law, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Narcotics Investigation, Sex Crimes, Judicial Function, Corrections, Criminology, Victimology, Policing Systems, Criminal Law, Terrorism, Intelligence

• City College of San Francisco focus: Critical Pacific (Island; Ethnic; Womens; Interdisciplinary Studies (LGBT/Diversity Rights)

• Additional: Homeland Security, Political Science, History of WWII, History, Psychology

What policies would you introduce that would better improve the outlook of subsistence and commercial fishing?

All Alaskans, especially our Indigenous communities, have high stakes in subsistence and commercial fishing. As quoted in The Alaska Beacon, fishing, processing and servicing fishing boats is the state’s #1 private-sector employer and Alaska supplies 60% of America’s wild-caught seafood-this economic reality is also critical to the Lower 48. Mining and other fossil fuel industrial processes cannot compromise the pristine waters of Alaska’s spawning areas. Short-term monetary incentives such as the Donlin Gold Mine Peltola supports, betray the cultural traditions of substance living, leaving (leaking?) plastic lined pools of highly contaminating chemicals-after removing valuable minerals. BTW, fishing is big business elsewhere in the US so galvanizing support for the industry has unifying incentive. Employment benefit?-Alaska needs seasonal workers in the fishing industry-H-1B visas address this need to support our economy, countering some outward migration. Through my studies, I know the Tagbanua of Philippines are cultural examples of sustainable practices and perhaps an H-1B workforce source.

Alaska receives billions in federal funding. How do you see the role of federal funding in Alaska?

Clearly supporting our President, and I alone 100% back the Harris/Walz ticket, will go far in supporting Alaska’s needs for future federal funding. We must show our empathy and support for other state’s needs as well. Example: Alaska’s outreach, via sending 50 National Guardsmen to Florida to aid in hurricane Helene and Milton recovery is beneficial to all. The 50-state Emergency Management Assistance Compact benefits all states sharing staff in disasters. Alaska has led the way in dealing with a multitude of disasters, experience that benefits the Lower 48. Being seen as a unifying team player serves us well when we need whatever assistance. Justifying our needs is far better received if we have led by example in helping other states in their time of need and support for our President (Harris).

How would you work with the next presidential administration to improve Alaska?

First and foremost, my clear 100% support for the Harris/Walz ticket sets me apart from other candidates. I am a true Democrat and support the traditional Democrat issues supporting our people. Yes, I have Democrat Socialist ideals to make lives better! It pains me to know Alaska has homelessness, high suicides, mental health needs, is #48 in education, leads in cost of living and food and crime. The petroleum industry, 85% of our economy, has benefited from Alaska’s natural resources since the 1950’s. But it is home based outside Alaska. How about some serious Alaska philanthropy via hospitals, education support (for workforce development), groundbreaking university studies, veterans’ services and construction of modest housing communities? An educated workforce benefits industry! This support could also counter that outward migration making it a win for all. A Harris win puts these people needs at the forefront. Industry must benefit the population’s needs, not just shareholders.

Given setbacks on Ambler Road, what would you do to support resource development in Alaska?

Resource development must be responsible and an honest balance between environmental resilience and our Indigenous community traditions. Greed and short term financial gain, especially by companies headquartered outside Alaska do not have our best interests foremost. Profit is the main motivator. Our Alaskan higher education institutions are valuable and trustworthy resources to guide decisions in tandem with our Indigenous communities. Their traditions have prevailed successfully for generations. Embracing these successes will guide us to working with, not against Alaska nature. Additionally, we must accept that the world is embracing other green energy so we must diversify our economy elsewhere. Example: an Alaska Indigenous capitol where all have a seat at the table, like the UN, could unite all Native Americans in Alaska and work with worldwide Indigenous communities. “Build it and they will come”

What is your position on the Albertsons-Kroger merger?

Not good. Less completion never serves communities. I had military family friends years back who shopped on base at the PX. I’d like to see that same PX dynamic in Alaska, especially in the more remote areas where food transport is a significant pricing impact. We have the means to support our military worldwide. Healthy eating and good nutrition are the basis of good physical and mental health. Let’s use that same model to help our Alaska families eat healthy affordable meals. Additionally, this would be a nutrition education opportunity encouraging reasonably priced healthy food choices. It would take some of the stress from Alaska’s high cost of living down a notch.

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than other places on Earth. What would you do to support climate resilience and adaptation?

Denial of climate change is ignorance. Education has long clearly supported the negative impact of fossil fuels. We don’t want to be in clouds of polluted hazes like manufacturing centers in the developing world. The record escalation of warming in Alaska is a warning to the Lower 48 of what is to come. This is an issue for all America to embrace asap. For Alaskan communities, relocation due to melting permafrost is most urgent. Cultural traditions must be respected in determining if/where successful relocation is possible. Those directly affected must be at the decision table. We must collectively choose the best direction for Indigenous communities’ successful transition. My studies at City College of San Francisco included urgent Critical Pacific Island issues of climate and rising waters. Indigenous communities have led the awareness. Together we must unite in our goal, bringing communities together in problem solving, finding viable solutions for the good of all, not just immediate greed.

Editorial note: This version corrects that Eric Hafner will be eligible for parole in 2036.