*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Date: May 6, 2026
Contact: info@ancsaregional.com
Anchorage, AK – The ANCSA Regional Association (ARA), representing the twelve land-based regional Alaska Native corporations (ANCs), today announced its endorsement of U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan for re-election. ARA’s endorsement reflects a long and successful working relationship with Senator Sullivan, who has been a consistent and effective advocate for Alaska Native people, ANCs, and the state’s broader economy.
“Since taking office in 2015, Senator Sullivan has been an indispensable partner to the ANCSA Regional Association and our members,” said ARA President Nicole Borromeo. “From defending access to CARES Act relief funding for Alaska Native corporations, to fighting to expand contracting opportunities for Alaska Native firms, Senator Sullivan has repeatedly shown he understands what is at stake for our shareholders and communities. ARA is proud to endorse his re-election campaign, and we look forward to continuing the productive partnership we have built together.”
One of the biggest examples of Senator Sullivan’s commitment to ANCs and Alaska Native communities is his support of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program. He successfully pushed the SBA to eliminate its burdensome ‘bona fide place of business’ requirement and opened more federal construction contracts to ANCs and Alaska small businesses. Senator Sullivan also championed a landmark National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provision that significantly expanded ANCs’ access to 8(a) federal contracts, which reversed a decade of restrictions that had curtailed economic opportunity for ANCs and their shareholders.
“Senator Sullivan has been a true ally to Alaska Native corporations and has been willing to go to bat for us time and again,” said ARA Chair Shauna Hegna. “Alaska’s ANCs generate jobs and dividends for Native people across the state, and Sen. Sullivan’s continued leadership in Washington is essential to protecting and expanding those opportunities.”
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About ANCSA Regional Association (ARA)
ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 150,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more at ancsaregional.com.
