ALASKA HOUSE
COALITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2019

Threats of Sexual Violence Have No Place in State Government
Coalition Members Relieved Art Chance Will Not Be Advising the Dunleavy Administration
Juneau – Thursday night’s announcement that Art Chance will not be joining the administration of
Governor Michael J. Dunleavy has prompted members of the Alaska House Coalition to release the
following statements. Art Chance was slated to join the Department of Administration as a senior
policy advisor.
“I believe a vigorous public discourse is good for our democracy, and I have no problem with strong
language. However, I draw the line at threatening sexual violence against anyone. In reviewing his
social media posts and comments, this man has actually threatened to sexually assault the wives
and girlfriends of those he disagreed with on political issues. This is outrageous, and I was
disappointed to learn that the Governor was willing to overlook this behavior and elevate an
internet troll to such an important job in his administration. Thankfully, the public outrage sparked
by this appointment worked this time. I hope Governor Dunleavy doesn’t let it happen again,” said
Rep. Harriet Drummond (D-Anchorage).
“Political differences aside, those chosen to advise the Governor, Commissioners, and others in the
administration, should exhibit strong character and sound judgment. Chance’s vile posts on
Facebook exhibit a lack of judgment and questionable character. He has routinely threatened people
with physical violence, and more than once threatened to sexually assault the loved ones of his
critics. This is not acceptable behavior for anyone, especially from a senior policy advisor in an
Administration which has pledged to reduce sexual assaults in Alaska,” said Rep. Ivy Spohnholz (DAnchorage).
“Many of us are fighting every day to change the unfortunate reality that Alaska leads the nation in
the rate of sexual violence. As a Yup’ik woman from rural Alaska, this is especially important because
Alaska Native women are ten times more likely to be sexually assaulted than other Alaska women.
We cannot prevent interpersonal violence by just addressing criminal penalties, we must also
change our environment and expectations about what is acceptable. Removing Art Chance from

 state government will not solve these problems, but it demonstrates clearly to Alaskans that these
kinds of threats are taken seriously,” said Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel).
“Threats of physical and sexual violence have no place in our society. I want to see our Governor
succeed and agree he should be free to staff his administration as he sees fit. However, the
offensive behavior of this advisor would have dragged down the Governor and his agenda.
Thankfully, Mr. Chance realized this fact and stepped down,” said Rep. Andi Story (D-Juneau).
For more information, please contact Alaska House Coalition Press Secretary Mike Mason at (907)
444-0889.
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