Former Senator Click Bishop Files Letter of Intent for Alaska Governor

JUNEAU — Former Fairbanks Sen. Click Bishop has officially entered the race for Alaska governor in the upcoming general election after filing a letter of intent on Monday. A Republican, Bishop served in the Alaska State Senate for 12 years, from 2013 until earlier this year. He is the first candidate to file for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Currently, Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds the office, but due to the Alaska Constitution, he is unable to seek a third consecutive term. Political experts anticipate a competitive field as candidates vie to replace Dunleavy.

The letter of intent allows Bishop to initiate campaign spending and fundraising efforts 18 months ahead of the November 2026 election. This step typically precedes a formal announcement of candidacy, signaling Bishop’s serious commitment to seeking the governorship.

Bishop, who identifies as a moderate Republican, has a significant political background, previously serving as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development for over five years under Governors Sarah Palin and Sean Parnell. In May 2022, Bishop announced he would not run for re-election in 2024, indicating his intention to pursue higher office.

Throughout his tenure, he has expressed concern over key issues, notably the rising energy costs and a decreasing working-age population in Alaska. His focus on addressing these challenges is expected to be central to his campaign platform.

This is a developing story; further updates will follow as they become available.

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