By Angela Rodell

In 2026, voters in Juneau will decide three Assembly seats and two state House seats. That may sound routine, but it shouldn’t be. These races will determine how seriously we confront flood risk, job creation, housing costs and the overall affordability of life in our capital city.

I write this not as a distant observer, but as someone who has stepped into the arena — as a candidate for mayor and as a participant in the Affordable Juneau Coalition. I’ve knocked on doors, sat at kitchen tables, debated policy at forums, and experienced both the encouragement and criticism that comes with asking for votes. Running is time-consuming, humbling and sometimes uncomfortable.

It is also essential.

In recent cycles, too many local contests have lacked meaningful competition. If election rules alone generated engagement, we would see crowded fields and high turnout. Instead, incumbents often glide into another term while only a fraction of registered voters participate. Juneau performs better than some places, but we should not confuse “better” with “good enough.”

Contrast that with the open 2026 gubernatorial race. Eighteen candidates have filed — 12 Republicans, three Democrats, and three independents. Whatever one thinks about that partisan breakdown, the number itself sends a message. When Alaskans believe an office is open and consequential, they step forward.

Why doesn’t that same urgency attach to three Assembly seats and two state House seats that directly shape daily life here?

From my experience running for mayor, campaigns force clarity. Candidates, including incumbents, must explain their spending priorities, defend budget assumptions, and articulate how to balance economic growth with quality of life. Voters ask tough questions — and they should.

That is the real hallmark of democracy: not rhetoric, but accountability. The ability of voters to fire their leaders or change direction when necessary.

We hear a lot about “No Kings.” It’s a foundational value — that power flows from the consent of the governed. Nobody is entitled to their seat. When incumbents face no opposition, when elections pass without real debate, we should ask an uncomfortable question: are we allowing “kings” to persist — not by design, but by default?

The Affordable Juneau Coalition demonstrated something important. When residents organized around affordability and tax concerns, they shaped the conversation. Grassroots energy still exists here. But advocacy is not a substitute for candidates. Messages can influence policy; candidates can change it.

When incumbents face little or no opposition, there is limited external pressure to recalibrate. The status quo grows comfortable, and comfort can drift into complacency. If current Assembly members and legislators are confident in their records, they should welcome challengers.

There is also a practical step we can take right now to improve transparency and encourage participation. The filing deadline is June 1 for House seats and July 27 for Assembly seats. If incumbents are considering running again — or, just as importantly, if they are not — the community deserves to know sooner rather than later. Early clarity helps potential candidates make informed decisions, build campaigns, and engage voters. Last-minute withdrawals or surprises risk creating uncontested races by default, effectively handing seats to newcomers without competition. That outcome serves neither voters nor the democratic process.

So what will it take to see real engagement in 2026?

It starts with moving from private frustration to public action. If you have ever said, “We need new leadership,” or “Someone should run,” finish that sentence.

If you are even slightly interested in serving — or know someone who would bring steady, practical leadership — don’t let that idea fade. Gather a small group of trusted supporters. Sit down and have the conversation.

Campaigns do not require perfection. They require courage and preparation. In local races especially, a disciplined, community-rooted effort can be competitive. The barrier to entry is lower than many assume. The impact is higher than most realize.

If 2026 arrives and these five seats are again lightly contested, we will have signaled that we are content with inertia. If instead new candidates step forward — independents, Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated citizens — and force real debates about affordability, infrastructure, and economic resilience, we will strengthen the mechanism that makes self-government work.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It depends on people willing to risk losing in order to give voters a real choice.

If you care about the direction of this city and this state, consider stepping into the arena — or encouraging someone you trust to do so. The power to change direction only exists if someone is willing to offer one.

• Angela Rodell is a former CEO of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. and commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue who is currently a business consultant and member of Juneau International Airport’s board of directors. Her column appears the second Tuesday of every month.