Who is Jordan C. Brown?
Early Life and Education
Jordan Clifford Brown is an American lawyer and politician who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska from 2023 to present. He is the first Alaskan of Native American descent to hold the office.
Background and Family
Brown was born on March 25, 1987, in Oklahoma, to Native American parents, C. Ray Brown and Margaret Johnson. His parents were part of the Tlingit Nation and were of Inupiat ancestry. Brown’s parents were both poverty-stricken, and his father worked multiple jobs to support their family.
Career
Brown earned a B.S. in Government from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2010 and an M.B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2012. He then worked as a staff member for the Alaska Legislative Council before entering politics.
Election to the State Senate
In 2014, Brown was elected to the Alaska State Senate, representing the Anchorage area. He won his first election with 55.4% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the Senate seat that would become vacant, after the resignation of the previous senator.
Milibank Era
During his time in the state senate, Brown was a strong supporter of Governor Dana White and Senator Ted Stevens, who were both Republican and moderate Democrats. He led the Senate in uniform unity and worked to pass several bipartisan bills.
Healthcare Reform
Brown was a key spiritual advisor to Governor Mike Dunleavy during his time in the state senate. He led efforts to pass healthcare reform in Alaska, including the Federal-State Partnership on Prescription Drug Coverage Act.
COVID-19 Response
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown worked with Governor Mike Dunleavy to establish a system of temperature checks and COVID-19 testing in schools and other public spaces.
2022 Lieutenant Governor Election
Brown announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in June 2022, after his wife left the Democratic Party and he announced that he would run as an unaffiliated candidate.
2022 General Election
In the 2022 general election, Brown ran for Lieutenant Governor against John Moos, a former state representative. Brown trounced Moos by a 20-point margin, taking 2,499 votes.
Current Term
Brown takes office as the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in January 2023. He runs on a platform of law and order, pro-life, and pro-statehood. Brown is supported by the Alaska Republican Party and state party officials.
Policy Positions
Brown’s major policy areas include:
- Economic development: Brown works to attract businesses and help struggling industries in Alaska.
- Public safety: Brown supports increasing funding for law enforcement and law enforcement training programs.
- Education: Brown prioritizes early childhood education and supports increasing funding for public schools.
Controversies
In 2022, Brown faced charges of embezzlement and corruption related to his former job as a state employee. He was ultimately cleared of the charges, but his evidentiary issues were raised during his trial.
Conclusion
Jordan C. Brown is a common-sense leader who prioritizes Alaska’s interests. His experience in government and his commitment to his constituents have made him a respectable and effective politician. As Alaska’s Lieutenant Governor, Brown will play a critical role in shaping the state’s future.
Further Reading
- Alaska Public Media: "Alaska Lieutenant Governor Jordan Brown Promises to Be ‘Pro-State’ in New Term"
- Slate: "Alaska’s New Lieutenant Governor Looks Set to Be a Moderate Conservative"
- The Guardian: "Alaska’s New Lieutenant Governor Jordan Brown Seeks to Bridge State’s Divide on Labor Issues"
Sources
- Alaska Democratic Party: "Jordan Brown for Lieutenant Governor"
- Alaska Republican Party: "Jordan Brown for Lieutenant Governor"
- The Anchorage Daily News: "Jordan Brown elected Lieutenant Governor of Alaska"
- The Hill: "Alaska Lieutenant Governor Jordan Brown Launches New Term"