ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell conceded the gubernatorial race Saturday, issuing a statement a day after independent challenger Bill Walker was declared the winner.
Parnell wrote on Facebook that he met with Walker Saturday morning and pledged an orderly transition.
“In line with this pledge, I offered office space for transition activities,” he wrote. “We had what I believe to be a very productive discussion about how to work together.”
Walker grabbed a slim lead on election night, but the race was too close to call while absentee and questioned voters were counted this week. Walker won Friday when it became evident that Parnell could not overcome Walker’s lead.
Parnell has served as governor since July 2009, when Sarah Palin resigned. He won election in his own right in 2010. Palin had endorsed Walker.