To secure the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator for Alaska, former orthopedic surgeon Al Gross, MD, must see off challenges from Democrat Edgar Blatchford and fellow independent Chris Cumings, KTOO reports.
The winner of the Democratic primary, scheduled for Aug. 18, will challenge Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan for his seat.
Dr. Gross' campaign focuses on tackling high healthcare costs in Alaska, balancing Medicare by negotiating directly with the pharmaceutical industry to redirect funds from drug companies to providers and defending abortion rights.
Mr. Cumings is advocating for universal, government-funded healthcare and better federal support for public education in the state. Mr. Blatchford seeks to add transparency to federal campaign finance laws and increase corporate accountability.
Dr. Gross has been endorsed by the Alaska Democratic Party and his campaign has raised more than $5 million. Neither of his opponents have raised any funds, according to federal filings.
Fellow orthopedic surgeon Manni Sethi, MD, was defeated Aug. 8 in the U.S. Senate Republican primary in Tennessee.