Nancy Dahlstrom

Nancy Dahlstrom is an American politician and retired military officer serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska under Governor Mike Dunleavy. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs under Governor Sean Parnell. Dahlstrom's career spans over two decades in the United States Army and Alaska Army National Guard, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Early life and education

Born around 1960 in Anchorage, Alaska, she grew up in the state and developed an early interest in public service. She attended local schools before enlisting in the United States Army. Dahlstrom later pursued higher education, earning a degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her academic background, combined with her military training at institutions like the United States Army War College, provided a foundation for her subsequent careers in the Alaska National Guard and state government.

Military career

Dahlstrom enlisted in the United States Army in 1979, beginning a distinguished career that lasted over 25 years. She served extensively with the Alaska Army National Guard, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her service included a combat deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During her tenure, she held various command and staff positions, contributing to operations and training within the United States Department of Defense structure. Her military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Political career

Following her military retirement in 2005, Dahlstrom entered state government. In 2010, Governor Sean Parnell appointed her as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, where she oversaw the Alaska National Guard and veterans' programs. In 2018, she was selected by gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy as his running mate in the 2018 Alaska gubernatorial election. After their victory, she was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in December 2018. In this role, she oversees the Alaska Division of Elections and has been involved in state initiatives on resource development and military support.

Electoral history

In the 2018 Alaska gubernatorial election, the Republican ticket of Mike Dunleavy and Nancy Dahlstrom defeated the Democratic nominee Mark Begich and his running mate DeLena Johnson. The election was also notable for the candidacy of former United States Senator Lisa Murkowski. Dahlstrom successfully ran for re-election as part of the Dunleavy ticket in the 2022 Alaska gubernatorial election, defeating Democratic challenger Les Gara and former Governor Bill Walker, who ran as an independent. These elections were conducted under Alaska's new electoral system.

Personal life

She is married to John Dahlstrom, a retired United States Air Force veteran, and they have two children. The family resides in Anchorage, Alaska. Dahlstrom is an active member of the community, involved with organizations supporting veterans and their families. Her personal interests include outdoor activities common to Alaska, such as fishing and hiking. She maintains connections with various military and veterans' groups across the state.

Category:1960s births Category:Lieutenant Governors of Alaska Category:Alaska Republicans Category:United States Army officers Category:People from Anchorage, Alaska Category:University of Alaska Anchorage alumni Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War