Two Alaska Republicans Announce Gubernatorial Intentions for 2026 Election
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – In a significant development for the 2026 Alaska gubernatorial race, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and former state Sen. Click Bishop have both filed letters of intent to run, becoming the first candidates to enter what is expected to be a highly competitive race to replace term-limited Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The filings, submitted Monday, open the doors for both candidates to begin fundraising and campaign initiatives ahead of the upcoming general election on November 3, 2026.
Dahlstrom, 67, has held the lieutenant governor position since 2022 and previously led the Alaska Department of Corrections. Following a third-place finish in the 2024 primary for Alaska’s U.S. House seat—backed by former President Donald Trump—she withdrew from the race but is now pivoting to seek higher office.
Bishop, also 67, is a former state senator who represented Interior Alaska for 12 years and served as labor commissioner under past governors Sarah Palin and Sean Parnell. Having announced last year he would not run for reelection to the Senate, Bishop expressed his commitment to continuing public service, emphasizing the need to address escalating energy costs and workforce challenges facing the state.
With Dunleavy constitutionally barred from a third consecutive term, political analysts predict a crowded race with various contenders. Among potential challengers is Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, whose interest in entering the race has been noted, bolstered by early polling data suggesting she could be a formidable opponent.
As the electoral landscape begins to shape up, the 2026 Alaska gubernatorial election promises to be a pivotal moment for the state’s political future.
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