Gara Decides to Seek Re-Election to Alaska House

Rep. Les Gara, who had left the door open to running for governor next year, says he'll seek re-election instead.

The Anchorage Democrat last month said he hadn't ruled out a run for governor if important conditions were met. Those included seriously discussing the possibility with his wife and whether the party fielded a "really good candidate."

Since then, Sen. Hollis French has announced he's exploring a run. French lost the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2010 to Ethan Berkowitz, who lost to Republican Gov. Sean Parnell.

Sen. Bill Wielechowski has been mentioned both as a possible gubernatorial candidate or running mate to Republican Bill Walker, who plans to run for governor as an independent.

Gara has said he'd rather help French or Wielechowski in a gubernatorial bid this time around.