Politics

Soldotna GOP Rep. Kurt Olson says he won't seek re-election

JUNEAU — State Rep. Kurt Olson, a six-term Republican from Soldotna, won't run for re-election, saying in an interview Friday he's ready for retirement.

"I've got a 6-year-old granddaughter. I've got a wife that has been very patient," said Olson, 68. "It's time."

He told colleagues of his retirement in the House Republican-led majority's caucus Thursday evening after making his announcement on Kenai radio shows.

Olson was facing two GOP primary challengers in Kenai City Manager Rick Koch and Soldotna City Council member Keith Baxter, but he denied he had a tough campaign ahead.

Olson said he wouldn't offer an endorsement in the primary.

"It's not my seat," he said. "I'd like to pick somebody, but I'm not going to. I'm going to stay out of it until the general, and then I'll be active."

Olson has served in the House since 2004. He's also been a close ally to House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, Rules Committee Chairman Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, and Rep. Mike Hawker, R-Anchorage, three of the House's key strategists.

Hawker is also retiring after this year.

Nathaniel Herz

Anchorage-based independent journalist Nathaniel Herz has been a reporter in Alaska for nearly a decade, with stints at the Anchorage Daily News and Alaska Public Media. Read his newsletter, Northern Journal, at natherz.substack.com

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