Seventeen Candidates Compete in Alaska’s Primary Elections for Governor

Seventeen candidate pairs vied on Tuesday in the primary elections to secure a place in the November general election. They aim to succeed Republican Governor Michael Dunleavy, who is term-limited. Former state Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, with Zac Johnson as his running mate, came first. Former Democratic state Senator Tom Begich and Julia Hnilicks secured second place. They, along with two other pairs, will progress to the November election.

Numerous prominent political figures appeared among the 34 candidates on the ballot for the governor and lieutenant governor positions. Tom Begich led as the frontrunner, backed by his family’s long-standing involvement in Alaska politics since statehood.

“Court keeps ‘Decoy Dan’ on the Alaska ballot as expert warns ranked-choice system creates voter ‘traps’.”

Tom Begich’s father, the late Rep. Nick Begich Sr., served in both state and federal legislatures until disappearing in 1972 during a flight between Anchorage and Juneau. Tom’s brother, Mark Begich, is a former U.S. Senator. The Begich family is largely Democratic, except for incumbent Rep. Nick Begich III, a Republican.

Bernadette Wilson, a Republican and business owner, is another leading competitor. She has strong ties to Alaska, having grown up on the Kenai. Partnered with Michael Shower, Wilson remains a significant figure in the primary.

Nancy Dahlstrom, Dunleavy’s deputy, withdrew from the race in June. Another Republican, Michael Loren Gilbert, has ambitions to expand the state’s energy and proposes a highway link to the Lower 48. His running mate, Timothy Hickel, belongs to another prominent Alaskan political family. Timothy’s father, Wally Hickel, was a two-term governor and served in the Nixon administration.

Former Anchorage Mayor David Bronson is also a key candidate, along with partner Josh Church. Additionally, former state Senator Click Bishop, accompanied by lieutenant governor hopeful Greta Schuerch, contested in the primary.

“Judge rules Republican with same name as Sen. Dan Sullivan can stay on Alaska primary ballot.”

Alaska employs a ranked-choice voting system in general elections. Voters list candidates by preference, redistributing votes as lower-ranked candidates are excluded from the race.

Dunleavy’s exit presents a potential opportunity for Democrats, including Begich, to reclaim the governor’s seat. In a previous election, Begich III won against then-Representative Mary Peltola, following the tenure of the long-serving Rep. Don Young.