While the membership of the Alaska Outdoor Council voted overwhelmingly to back Dave Bronson for governor, the board members decided to give the group’s official endorsement to Adam Crum.
Recognized as the state’s most influential outdoor advocacy and conservation group, the Alaska Outdoor Council represents more than 10,000 Alaskans from around the state, working to preserve hunting, fishing, trapping and public access to land across Alaska.
The Bronson campaign thanked the membership for choosing him as their top gubernatorial candidate, while questioning the board’s decision to back Crum with the endorsement.
“We are proud to learn that Dave’s shared values are reflected in the clear preference expressed by its membership in their membership poll,” the campaign noted.
The February 2026 membership poll had Bronson winning 33.85% of the vote, while Bernadette Wilson took second with 18.23%. Shelley Hughes came in third with 10.94% and Crum finished fourth with 8.85%. Seven other candidates all finished with far less support.
“We are incredibly grateful for the strong support shown by Alaska Outdoor Council members and humbled by the confidence they placed in our campaign,” the Bronson campaign stated. “It is disappointing that the Council’s board chose to ignore its own members and endorse Adam Crum, who received just 8.85% of the vote. When an organization’s leadership endorses a candidate who finished a distant fourth among its own membership, it raises serious questions about whose interests are being represented.”
The council issued its endorsement on June 25.
“The Alaska Outdoor Council is proud to endorse Adam Crum,” the endorsement noted. “Adam understands that Alaska’s outdoor heritage isn’t just a way of life—it’s the foundation of our communities, economy, and future. He has demonstrated a commitment to protecting public access, supporting science-based wildlife management, defending our hunting and fishing traditions, and ensuring future generations can enjoy Alaska’s great outdoors.”
