Under the failed leadership of the Biden Administration, woke agendas have targeted our children and those same woke policies have found their way into Alaska’s schools.

Our children cannot read proficiently because, despite great teachers, the education machine is more focused on gender identity and ensuring transgender athletes can compete in girls sports rather than focus on actual education.

Eighty percent of our children cannot read proficiently by third grade, according to Alaska’s Literacy Blueprint. Our state ranks 49th in fourth grade reading on the National Assessment of Education Progress. And while our state has made significant efforts to address these failures by passing the Alaska Reads Act, there is still much to be done to address a failing agenda that has found its way into our schools, both at the state and federal level.

Our children deserve better. They deserve to grow up with an education that isn’t engulfed in the mainstream culture wars and left-wing agenda.

Alaska stands at a pivotal moment ahead of the 2024 election.

The future of our children and the education they receive are at stake if we do not elect leaders who put Alaskan families first, fight for our values and stand firm against government overreach.

Alaskans do not want the federal government dictating how we should raise our own children.

Congressional candidate Nick Begich is a symbol of hope for many Alaskans who are tired of typical politicians who spew empty promises. He is a dedicated husband, father and embodies the tough Alaskan spirit and grit that makes our state stand out.

As Alaskans, we want the freedom to raise our kids as we see fit in the Last Frontier. It is crucial we elect leaders who protect those freedoms in Washington. As a mother of three girls, I believe we need leaders who are steadfast in their beliefs and fight for Alaskan families.

Nick Begich exemplifies this leadership and is poised to advocate fiercely for our children and uphold the principles that define us.

Begich’s is dedicated to safeguarding our freedoms and putting families first. This dedication resonates deeply with many Alaskan parents. He also recognizes the importance of upholding our Constitutional rights and liberties which have come under attack under the current Administration.

Supporting Nick Begich means we are sending someone to Washington who will fight for the future of our children and put Alaskan families first.

His commitment to preserving freedom, quality education and approach to addressing the challenges Alaskan families face from housing costs to improved infrastructure make him the leader our children need.

I urge my fellow Alaskans to support Nick Begich in the primary on Aug. 20. He is the fighter we need for all Alaskans right now!

Cindy Glassmaker lives in Soldotna.