Alaska Primary Elections Lead to General Election Candidates
On Tuesday, seventeen pairs of candidates for governor and lieutenant governor competed to secure their spots in the general election set for November. This race is particularly significant as it follows the term-limited Republican Governor Michael Dunleavy.
In the primary results, former state Rep. Jonathan Kreis-Tomkins and vice presidential candidate Zach Johnson took the lead, while former Democratic state senators Tom Begich and Julia Niricks came in second. These candidates will advance to the general election, joined by two other successful governor/lieutenant governor pairs.
The ballot featured 34 candidates across both executive offices, showcasing a mix of prominent political figures.
Tom Begich, who heads the list of frontrunners, comes from a family deeply rooted in Alaska’s political landscape, with its history tracing back to the state’s establishment.
There are concerns from experts regarding the ranked-choice voting system, which they argue could lead to confusion for voters. Additionally, legal challenges have emerged related to ballot terminology.
Begich’s father, Rep. Nick Begich Sr., was a notable figure who served in both state and federal legislatures before he disappeared in a plane incident over the Inside Passage. Tom’s brother, Mark, is a well-known U.S. senator, while most of their family members are Democrats, apart from Republican Congressman Nick Begich III.
Among the Republican contenders, businesswoman Bernadette Wilson stands out. She has a long-standing heritage in Alaska, with her family having lived there for generations. Her running mate is Michael Shower.
Royal governor Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom had also been a significant Republican contender but chose to withdraw from the race in June. Another Republican, Michael Lauren Gilbert, is looking to enhance Alaska’s energy resources and is considering infrastructure improvements to connect the state to the continental U.S. His running mate, Timothy Hickel, comes from another influential political family in Alaska.
Former Anchorage Mayor David Bronson, a Republican, is also a potential candidate for this election, partnered with Josh Church. Additionally, another former state senator, Click Bishop, is running with lieutenant governor candidate Greta Schulch.
The ranking system used in the general elections allows voters to list their preferences, redistributing votes as candidates are eliminated based on their performance.
While Alaska typically leans Republican, the resignation of Dunleavy opens the door for Begich and other Democrats to potentially gain control of the governor’s office. Begich III recently won his seat after a special election prompted by the passing of long-serving Rep. Don Young.
