The Alaska Division of Elections released its May 2026 voter registration statistics this week, and the numbers paint a stark picture for the newly formed Alaskan Party. Just 22 Alaskans have signed up as members of the fledgling political group since it launched in March.
The Alaskan Party emerged from the ashes of the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP), which formally dissolved in late 2025 after decades as Alaska’s third-largest political organization. Former AIP leaders Bob Bird and Mark Chryson stepped forward to rebrand and revive the movement under the new name, hoping to preserve its core focus on Alaskan sovereignty, resource development, and fighting federal overreach into state rights. The Division of Elections officially recognized the Alaskan Party as a political group in March, allowing voters to affiliate with it on registration forms.
Under Alaska law, a political group becomes a full-fledged “political party” once it reaches 5,000 registered members. At that point, it can hold conventions, nominate candidates more easily, and gain greater visibility on ballots. With only 22 members as of the May report, the Alaskan Party remains far from that threshold. The slow uptake comes amid public appeals from Bird and Chryson urging former AIP members – who once numbered more than 19,000 – to re-register under the new banner.
The May statistics provide a clear snapshot of Alaska’s broader political landscape. The two major parties continue to dominate:
— Alaska Republican Party: approximately 142,261 registered members
— Alaska Democratic Party: approximately 70,101 registered members
Smaller recognized parties and groups include the Libertarian Party, Alaska Constitution Party, Green Party, and Moderate Party of Alaska, each with memberships in the low thousands. Newer or niche groups such as the Veterans Party of Alaska and UCES’ Clowns Party register only dozens to a few hundred supporters.
The largest blocs remain non-aligned: Non-Partisan voters number around 81,844, while Undeclared voters – the fastest-growing category after the AIP dissolution – exceed 289,800.
The slow start for the Alaskan Party underscores the hurdles facing any new or rebranded organization in Alaska’s unique political environment. Alaska uses a nonpartisan “pick-one” primary system that sends the top four vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation. While this levels the playing field for independents, it also makes it harder for small parties to build visibility or mobilize supporters without the critical mass needed for recognition and resources.
With only 22 members on the books, the road to 5,000 – and real influence – will demand sustained, grassroots momentum that has yet to materialize.
