I cannot agree with the Alaska GOP’s current approach to state election leadership.
Currently, Alaska’s 2026 governor’s race fields at least 17 candidates, including a large cluster of Republicans, while polls show no dominant consensus candidate and a very large, undecided vote. Sadly, our state house and senate races are overshadowed by this gubernatorial beauty contest.
Don’t get me wrong. I applaud every candidate for having the strength, courage, and endurance to run, but at a time when Alaska needs a true champion as governor, it also needs a legislative majority clearly prepared to support that champion’s reforms.
Are we, as conservatives, forgetting the damage of the Gov. Bill Walker administration, coupled by what the Muskrat coalition did in just four years? Walker’s most lasting damage was normalizing the reduction of the PFD, expanding Medicaid during a fiscal crisis, cutting into education funding under austerity and no reforms, and pursuing energy strategies that increased state exposure without delivering the cheap energy Alaskans were promised.
The deeper problem is that too many candidates seek office without fully understanding the battlefield they are entering.
Add to that, the negative impacts to a Republican governor over the last eight years by a State Legislature, which was numerically Republican-leaning, but operationally a progressive-controlled coalition rather than clearly Republican.
With that history, a 17-candidate Republican gubernatorial slate is not a sign of strength; it is a sign of fragmentation. A crowded field divides money, message, endorsements, and voter attention, while a more coordinated party can narrow its bench, elevate one or two viable contenders early, and enter the decisive stages of the race with far less internal vote-splitting.
Political science literature has long noted that parties often try to influence who runs and to coalesce around candidates before voters make a final choice, precisely because uncontrolled nomination fights can weaken the party’s chances in the general election. The strategic question, then, is not whether voters should decide, but whether a party serious about governing should first decide how not to sabotage itself.
Political parties must realize that an undisciplined nomination fight can weaken the very candidate they need to win.
Alaska is a case study in how a state can retain the shell of democratic choice while losing much of the substance of self-government to bureaucracy, dependency, and organized interests.
Today’s Alaska reflects some of the egregious patterns seen throughout American history. A state government preserved in form but captured in function by organized interests more powerful than ordinary citizens. The problem is not simply spending levels or partisan labels, but a governing structure in which public unions, entrenched bureaucracies, outside federal dependencies, contractors, major economic beneficiaries, and political protection networks exert more practical influence over state policy than the people themselves.
In that environment, elections alone do not guarantee self-government, because whoever is elected is forced to govern within a system already shaped by those who live off it. Alaska’s crisis is not merely fiscal. It is constitutional and civic. If political power truly is inherent in the people, then state leadership must be rebuilt from the bottom up so government once again serves the public instead of the permanent interests that have learned to manage it for themselves.
That is why the central problem in Alaska is not simply ranked choice voting, nor any other single election mechanic. The deeper problem is that too many candidates seek office without fully understanding the battlefield they are entering. A governor may win but then finds him or herself surrounded by a structure designed to absorb, delay, redirect, neutralize, or domesticate reform. In Alaska, the “Deep State” is not some cartoon slogan. It is the practical reality of entrenched administrative power, federal dependency, legal and regulatory choke points, quasi-independent authorities, public employee interests, and outside funding networks that can geld or spay whoever is elected governor if that person is not fully prepared to confront them without a like-minded state legislature.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
For that reason, the 2026 governor’s race, by itself, will not save Alaska. Regardless of who is elected, unless the legislature is conservative or at least marginally conservative, the next governor will be severely constrained in addressing the state’s largest structural problems. The Medicaid debacle will remain largely intact. Real education reform will stall or be watered down. Cheap and abundant energy will remain a talking point rather than a governing priority, and the Permanent Fund Dividend will continue to function as the state’s primary political football rather than as one part of a broader strategy of fiscal sovereignty and economic growth. In other words, Alaska’s crisis is not just about who wins office. It is about whether elected officials can govern against the entrenched mechanisms that now control so much of the state’s direction.
So, I cannot agree that Alaska can be presented as the American election model. It is, instead, a case study in how a state can retain the shell of democratic choice while losing much of the substance of self-government to bureaucracy, dependency, and organized interests.
America at its best is a system where voters choose leaders and leaders can govern. Alaska today is a system where voters choose leaders, and then the permanent apparatus decides what is possible. Until that changes, Alaska will remain less an example of political renewal than an example of political capture.
The views expressed here are those of the author.
19 Comments
The Republicans jumped in because of Bernadette Wilson first announced her candidacy. the AkGOP party staff, committee members, and old guard leaders hate her. Because before her capital steps announcement the AkGOP just like the Democrats they had no one.
The number of Democrats who include the so called undeclared and non partisan at least they have a set tactic put a number of candidates in before the primary and see who does better because at least they had enough humility to acknowledge everyone one their side sucks. So let’s put a variety of candidates forward and see what the voters on primary day say and go with the top leader. Like the AKGOP is playing the same tactical game the Democrats are playing put forth a variety of types of candidates and see what the voters decide. What would they do if Bernadette Wilson/Shower came out the leader after the Primary election? Will they still support her or run a three way R race?
Michael, Thank you for this post. I enjoy your writing style and how you are able to clearly explain complex issues.
Do you think the fact that we have RCV contributed to the number of candidates who threw their hat into the ring, Tavoliero? I think several of them would have 0 chance of securing the party vote if we didn’t have RCV and it’s attendant open primary, and therefore, would not have run.
If we don’t get out the vote, for this next election. the whole state could very well, look like Anchorage, Dark Blue Scary.
As long as (1) the unelected union leaders at the local and state level control the state legislature with the help of DC smearing our honest candidates, the elections are a joke. (2) As long as local bureaucrats use the voting machines, election results will be questionable. (3) As long as the legislators break the law by not holding their sessions on the mainland allowing citizens and families to have the same access as the lobbyists, the corruption will continue, (4) As long as legislators are liars professing “pie in the sky loyalty” to helping Alaskan citizens whom they have no intentions of helping, and, their actions continue to be greedy and selfish; these bums need to be kicked out. They are not to be trusted: . Republican Stapp, Bynum and Saddler obstructed good legislators and the governor from giving Alaskan citizens our full PFD, BTW Representative Will Stapp has bragged about not needing the permanent fund because he receives Native Benefits. Republican Will Stapp and Mike Cronk opposed our governor’s efforts to allocate education funding equally. (4) As long as the judiciary branch including the Alaska Supreme Court need to be impeached and are violating the separation laws in the Constitution, by legislating from the bench, then the governor’s job is a mockery and he is not given authority or respect.. (5) As long our legislators are in hate-filled rebellion against our governor and our MAGA Patriotic President, we are on our way to being enslaved by our unrepentant pride. (6) As long as the Alaska Supreme Court invented a privacy clause that does not exist which can negate any sincere efforts to stop the murder of preborn babies, then Alaska cannot contribute the common sense being used by other Governors and legislators in harmony trying to end this destruction of our future citizens and the butchery profiting Planned Parenthood and doctors and nurses,, Abortion is not and never has been a human right or health care as stated by PP. (7) As long as we do not acknowledge our need of our Creator, as fallen sheep, then corruption will continue. Alaska citizens and US citizens need to repent of many sins which are practiced in violation of the First Commandment: worship of Allah, worship of Karl Marx, love of money, love of ourselves over God, tolerance, entertainment, child sacrifice and human trafficking, etc. The Democrat party contains the “death cult,” which is why we continue to see our legislators funding abortions with state funds. We need to repent and return to the Rule of Law, Ten Commandments, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and other historical Founding documents. Some states have legislated with the governors to return the founding documents to the schools, colleges, and public places as Historical Docuements so that our children can understand our true history and not the “hate America” curriculum used and promoted by Obama and Colombia University. We are proud to be ambassadors of Jesus.
Excellent post! 100% agree!
It’s not just about how many candidates there are—it’s about ideological alignment and authenticity. A crowded field becomes even more dangerous when some candidates are Republicans in name only, running under the banner because it’s the most viable path in Alaska, not because they actually share the principles or are prepared to govern that way.
That creates two problems:
Voter confusion – people think they’re choosing between similar options, but the governing outcomes could be very different.
Post-election drift – candidates campaign one way, then govern another once they’re inside the system you described.
The harder question for voters isn’t “Who has the R next to their name?”—it’s:
Who has a consistent record, not just campaign rhetoric?
Who understands the structural barriers in Alaska and is willing to confront them?
Who will actually align with a legislature to move policy, not just occupy the office?
Because you’re right—if the label becomes just a vehicle to win, then the primary (or early stages of the race) is really where the ideological fight is happening, not the general election.
And if that’s the case, then the party’s failure isn’t just too many candidates—it’s failing to define and defend what the label is supposed to mean in the first place.
Amen
Very well thought out article. You have highlighted the fractional nature of the party which has allowed some unqualified people to run with inflated records. You have further highlighted that it is not merely up to the governor to save the state, we need constitutional, legislative, judicial and executive reforms. The one thing you have understated is that a strong competent leadership team at the top can influence much of the direction and tone of the other branches. A strong Governor and LG Governor can hold down taxes, improve elections, fight to give the dividend to the people, open Alaska to development, pushing for good legislation, fire poor performers, fight the courts when they are wrong etc.
Hey Josh I have asked the question about 100 times now in different venues and still haven’t received any response. How is Bronson any different than Dunleavy? Please be detailed and specific! I already recognize that he’s shorter!
Well, he’s not running with a variety of campaign signs based on Alaskan Brewing Company’s beer labels, for starters.
Dave,
I am not sure how to answer this question. They are 100% not the same person, they do not have the same history or record.
What is it you actually would like to know?
I too like the article. AKGOP may suffer a great loss in the long run by having too many unqualified governor candidates. Apparently there are more egos, than strategic logical brains in our R party. The legislators are not fair, not law abiding, not constituency lead elected officials. They, the legislators are in a self proclaimed progressive mode of illogical, self absorbed, self grandiose thinking. Legislators must be moved onto a road system. Use the closed schools to house them. Anyway, The crazy number of Governor candidates makes me laugh. I am right up there with which one will give me the most bang for my buck???
The work is definitely needed in the local and state venues to get the rinos, progressives, and liberals out of office. I keep wondering what the dems etc…Will have left after they destroy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I ramble on…sorry. blessings W.
Shelly Hughes has an r after her name! She’s a complete waste of lots of time! Step aside! Taylor,Crum,dalhstrom,Bronson, are simple Dunleavy clones! Done with Dunleavy!
AK-GOP has done this for years. It’s by design. Look and talk like they’re republican, but secretly working for the other team. AK-GOP only wants winners, no matter how far left they lean. There is no litmus test for GOP candidates, there should be. Once their supported candidates are in office, AK-GOP has no leverage or recourse. Solution- FIRE all AK-GOP and start fresh because this will never get fixed. The other is to call your employees, monthly. If they’re in office, they work for you. Call them and tell them what you expect, that you’ll be watching, that they will get a pink slip the next election and hire another employee that will do the job.
This is a really great commentary.
I am not sure how to answer this question. They are 100% not the same person, they do not have the same history or record.
What is it you actually would like to know?
Well Josh finally a response!!! Accessibility is certainly a beginning point!!! Truthfully I basically gave up on you over two months ago!!! Not responding to these inquiries is exactly what Dunleavy, walker, and the Parnell administrations had in common!!! It’s called stonewalling!!!! As far as what I want to know specifically!!!! You should ask Bronson himself as I was the very first individual to publicly ask him a question at his big lake venue!!! The question: Mike Dunleavy failed to use his position and political capital on behalf of the state he has been charged to lead, protect, and serve!!! Examples: Ethan berkowits destroyed anchorage and was caught in multiple scandals! Dunleavy stayed hidden and silent while 300 thousand Alaskans shouldered the corruption! Kriners diner stayed open and was punished thousands of dollars for exercising their right to run their business! Dunleavy stayed hidden and silent! People in hospitals were refused prescriptions of ivermectin and left to die alone! Dunleavy stayed silent! Except to continue his ignorant position behind Anne zinc known for her death deranged ambitions for Alaskans!!! Dunleavy also degraded ivermectin as horse paste!
Dunleavy came out with carbon sequestration bs but never had in mind to step into the Fray of the onslaught of Alaskans being killed in his presence! And being an arrogant imbecilic idiot to declare himself essential and even you Josh weren’t! I guess he thought you weren’t smart enough!
Dunleavy’s response to Chloe Cole was hideous at best when he hugs her for a picture, smiles and says it’s just pseudoscience! This ass was at the same time providing these same pseudoscience procedures in his very own department of health and human services, which he doubled in size!!! Dave your man Bronson responded to me and publicly stated that “Mike Dunleavy is a friend of mine and I will not throw him under the bus “!!!
Everyone who has been here very long knows that this state is notorious for the good old boy club!!! And they vigorously protect each other!! With the amount of disastrous consequences that were incurred under Dunleavy and his management for decline , why is Bronson so focused on not throwing him under the proverbial bus unless he’s in agreement with him and in fact just like him!!! Will Bronson use his position and political capital to lead, protect, and serve this state or not!!!!?
Dave, there’s a lot there I can hear and feel your frustration. I remember when they came out and said there was limits on where you could travel to hunt and then public basically said pound sand and they came back and updated their guidance. Send me an email Joshforalaska@gmail.com and we can talk. Maybe we can meet up at some point. Governance is about finding the areas where you can agree with people to find solutions not highlighting where you disagree with them. A lot of the current legislatures don’t get anything done because they have publicly disagree with people and offended them and then they get their feelings hurt and they won’t work with people even if it’s a good bill. Dave and I are trying to be very careful so we don’t make the mistakes that have been made in the past of failing to get anything done because of a hurtful words said. That said one of the first things Dave asked me was if you find people that aren’t up to the job are you willing to fire them. You can tell if you look into it that Dave and I are very different than the current administration I’m not going down to the capital to hang out. I’m there to get a job done and leave. The current administration has not done enough to move this state forward. The state is moving in the wrong direction that’s the only reason I’m running. To be frankly honest I don’t want this job, I wish I didn’t have to have to do it but I believe it is necessary for new blood to get in with some energy to turn things around for my children have opportunity in this state. So I don’t have to move out and take them somewhere else