Popular conservative businesswoman and political mover and shaker, Bernadette Wilson, has put rumors to rest and announced her candidacy to become Alaska’s next governor.

Well known on Alaska’s political and cultural scene, Wilson pledged to bring bold leadership, common-sense policies, and a renewed focus on opportunity and prosperity for all Alaskans.

Born and raised in Alaska, she brings decades of grassroots leadership to the table. She first gained statewide attention as the campaign director for the successful 2010 “Parental Notification” ballot initiative, which aimed to reduce abortions by empowering parents to be involved with their minor daughter’s decisions.

Since then, she has held key leadership roles including as state director of Americans for Prosperity–Alaska where she advocated for free speech, school choice, affordable health care, the protection of small businesses from hardline Anchorage Covid lockdowns and much more.

Partnering with President Trump’s administration, it’s time to kickstart our economy, invest in our future, and ensure that prosperity reaches every corner of our state. If this is to be the golden age of America, then let’s make sure the history books are filled with Alaska’s stories.”

Wilson later served as interim executive director of the Alaska Policy Forum, a conservative think tank that aims to influence public policy. She also worked as a senior advisor to the 2024 Nick Begich congressional campaign and is one of the sponsors of Repeal Now, a new ballot initiative that aims to repeal Alaska’s ranked choice voting system in 2026. 

In addition to politics, Wilson is well acquainted with the business sector. She is the founder and longtime owner of Denali Disposal in Anchorage, a locally owned waste management company she launched in 2016. Under her leadership, the company has become a trusted name in Anchorage, known for personal service and deep-rooted community values. 

In announcing her run, Wilson noted that she derives inspiration from her family’s legacy in Alaska’s waste management and trucking industries, and the business and political acumen of her great uncle, former two-term Gov. Walter J. “Wally” Hickel.

“From the towering trees of our Tongass National Forest to our fish thriving in the deep waters of the Valdez Harbor or our legendary sockeye runs in Bristol Bay; from our mineral-rich islands in Southeast Alaska to our Arctic Slopes; from our vast oil reserves of the NPRA and ANWR to the unmatched grit and determination of her people – there is no doubt, America’s strength starts with Alaska,” Wilson said. “And yet, we haven’t seen a major highway project in 40 years. Alaska simply can’t afford to wait another 40. Partnering with President Trump’s administration, it’s time to kickstart our economy, invest in our future, and ensure that prosperity reaches every corner of our state. If this is to be the golden age of America, then let’s make sure the history books are filled with Alaska’s stories.”

As an influential grassroots organizer and impassioned public speaker, Wilson played a leading role in the 2020 People’s Memorial Day remembrance event in Anchorage and was on the front lines advocating for the rights of Alaskans during the onerous and economically devistating Covid shutdowns imposed by the Anchorage Assembly. Her influence has extended across multiple media platforms as well, where she has long connected with Alaskans through talk radio and television shows.

In announcing her candidacy, Wilson described herself as a proud Alaskan of Aleut heritage, who will focus on robust development, restoring accountability in government, strengthening local economies, and championing policies that reflect the values and needs of everyday Alaskans.

“I’ve talked to people all across the state – and they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and join this team for 2026,” she said. “But this isn’t just my campaign – it’s Team Alaska. I hope that you will join me in this campaign because we are about to show America what Alaska is made of!”

To learn more about Bernadette Wilson’s campaign click here.

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