With an order released Wednesday morning, the Alaska Supreme Court has allowed independents to challenge Democrats in the Democratic Party’s primary elections.

The decision has major implications for this fall’s statewide elections: Gov. Bill Walker is an independent, and no major Democratic candidate has registered for the fall election. If Walker were to run in (and win) August’s Democratic primary as an independent, he would limit the number of challengers in November’s general election.

“Of course it makes strategic sense for him,” said Jay Parmley, director of the Alaska Democratic Party.

Parmley said the party has not had any discussions with Walker, and his decision remains his own.

“I’m simply waiting. It’s going to be the governor’s decision; it’s not ours,” he said.

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Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)