David Nelson

David Nelson is a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives representing District 18. Born on August 13, 1996, in Orlando, Florida, Nelson spent his youth in Sanford, Florida, with his parents and two sisters. His father is an ordained pastor who has served churches from the Bahamas to Nappanee, Indiana.

Nelson achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America in December 2012. He currently represents Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Muldoon, and Government Hill in Anchorage.

Education

Nelson attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During his time there, he was commissioned through the U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps and completed the U.S. Army Basic Officer Leadership Course in 2018.

Political Experience

Nelson first served in the Alaska House of Representatives in the 32nd Legislature, initially representing the 15th district from 2021 to 2023. Following redistricting in 2022, he moved to House District 18, where he was defeated by Democrat Cliff Groh in that election year. Nelson returned to win the seat in 2024, defeating Groh with 50.2% of the vote.

Currently, Nelson serves on three House committees: Labor & Commerce, Military & Veterans Affairs, and the Joint Armed Services. A notable legislative achievement includes authoring the Military and Family Employment Act , which extended Alaska's veteran employment preference to military families. The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support, 35–2.

Nelson holds the rank of Captain in the Alaska Army National Guard and has prioritized supporting military members and their families throughout his tenure.