Tony Knowles

Anthony Carroll Knowles is an American politician and businessman who served as the seventh governor of Alaska from 1994 to 2002. A member of the Democratic Party, Knowles is notable for being the most recent Democratic governor of Alaska as of 2026. Following his governorship, he sought higher office, running unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2004 and for governor again in 2006. In addition to his political career, Knowles has been involved in various initiatives related to energy policy and veterans' affairs. His leadership in Alaska has been marked by significant health care initiatives and efforts to foster economic development in rural areas.

Early life and career

Tony Knowles was born on January 1, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He volunteered for the United States Army in 1962, joining the 82nd Airborne Division, where he later served in Vietnam. His military service influenced his political career, particularly in his advocacy for veterans' issues. Knowles successfully passed legislation aimed at creating guaranteed housing for veterans within the state's Pioneer's Homes and established official days of recognition to honor their service. He also played a role in naming Mount POW/MIA, reflecting his commitment to veterans.

Knowles pursued higher education at Yale University, where he earned a degree in economics in 1968. During his time at Yale, he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, which included notable figures such as George W. Bush. After completing his studies, Knowles relocated to Alaska, where he began his career in the oil industry, working on drilling rigs in the North Slope and Cook Inlet. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his first restaurant in 1969, the Downtown Deli & Café in Anchorage, marking the beginning of a series of business ventures in the state.

In addition to his business pursuits, Knowles is known for his outdoor activities, including fly fishing, cross-country skiing, and marathon running. He resides in Anchorage with his wife, Susan Knowles, who served as the First Lady of Alaska during his governorship. Together, they have three children.

Governorship

Tony Knowles first entered the political arena as a member of the Anchorage Assembly, where he served three terms before becoming the mayor of Anchorage from 1982 to 1987. His initial attempt to secure the governorship came in 1990 when he won the Democratic nomination but was ultimately defeated by the Alaskan Independence Party candidate, former Governor Walter Hickel. However, Knowles returned to the political scene and successfully won the Democratic primary in 1994 against former lieutenant governor Stephen McAlpine. He was elected governor in the general election, where he faced a competitive race against Republican candidate Jim Campbell and Alaskan Independence Party candidate Jack Coghill. Knowles's victory was aided by a split conservative vote, which allowed him to secure the governorship with a narrow margin.

During his tenure, Knowles was re-elected in 1998, winning by a significant margin against Republican John Lindauer. This victory was attributed to various factors, including controversies surrounding Lindauer's campaign and questions regarding his residency. Knowles chose not to seek re-election in 2002 due to term limits that prevented him from serving consecutive terms.

Throughout his governorship, Knowles was involved in various significant events and initiatives. In response to the September 11 attacks, he ordered the evacuation of large hotels and government buildings in Anchorage due to concerns about a potential hijacking. He also held leadership positions, such as chairing the Western Governors' Association in 1997 and serving as a two-term chair of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.

Policy focus and legacy

Knowles's governorship is characterized by a strong focus on health care and economic development. He established Denali Kid Care, a program that provides basic health care services to thousands of children and pregnant women in Alaska. His efforts in this area earned him recognition as the Child Advocate of the Year from the National Child Welfare League in 1998.

In addition to health care, Knowles made significant strides in fostering relationships with Alaska's Native communities. He forged the "Millennium Agreement," a government-to-government agreement aimed at enhancing rural service delivery and promoting economic development. His work in this area was acknowledged by the National Congress of American Indians and the Alaska Federation of Natives, which awarded him the Denali Award, the highest honor given to a non-native individual.

Knowles also prioritized environmental issues, particularly concerning the protection of Pacific salmon and their habitats. He successfully advocated for the adoption of a "safe passage" principle by Canadian officials, leading to the negotiation of a coast-wide salmon treaty, a significant achievement for conservation efforts in the region.

Despite his accomplishments, Knowles faced criticism during his final term, with some members of the Alaska Legislature labeling him a weak leader. This criticism culminated in a campaign questioning his visibility and decisiveness on various issues. After leaving office, Knowles sought to continue his public service by running for the U.S. Senate in 2004, where he was narrowly defeated by incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski. He later attempted to regain the governorship in 2006 but lost to Republican Sarah Palin.

In the years following his governorship, Knowles became involved in energy policy, taking on the role of president of the National Energy Policy Institute in 2008, a non-profit organization based at the University of Tulsa. He has also been considered for positions in presidential cabinets, although he was not appointed. His commitment to veterans' issues and public service remains evident through his ongoing involvement in various initiatives and boards, including an appointment to the National Park System Advisory Board in 2010.