In a surprising turn of events, Democrat Mindy O’Neall has unseated Republican incumbent David Pruhs in the City of Fairbanks mayoral election held on October 7, 2025. O’Neall secured 1,808 votes (54%) compared to Pruhs’ 1,528 votes (45.7%), according to unofficial results released by the City of Fairbanks.
Pruhs, who had served as mayor since 2022 and was backed by local Republicans, conceded the race, acknowledging O’Neall’s victory and attributing his loss to factors such as low voter turnout and the strong support she received from the Alaska Democratic Party .
O’Neall, the presiding officer of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, ran on a platform emphasizing community engagement and progressive policies. Her campaign was notably endorsed by the Alaska Democratic Party, which provided substantial support in mobilizing voters and resources .
This election is particularly significant as it marks the first time in nearly a decade that a Republican incumbent has been unseated in Fairbanks, a city that has traditionally leaned conservative. The absence of party affiliations on the ballot did not deter voters from aligning with the candidates’ political ideologies, reflecting a growing trend of partisan awareness in local elections.
Political analysts view O’Neall’s victory as a potential indicator of shifting political dynamics in Alaska’s urban centers. Her success may inspire other Democratic candidates to challenge Republican-held positions in similar communities across the state.
As Fairbanks prepares for the upcoming general election, all eyes will be on how O’Neall’s administration addresses the issues that resonated with voters and whether her leadership can bring about the changes she campaigned on.
