Bernadette Wilson Launches Bid for Alaska Governor in 2026
JUNEAU, AK – Bernadette Wilson, a conservative activist and business owner, officially announced her candidacy for the 2026 Alaska gubernatorial election. The lifelong Alaskan and former radio host launched her campaign on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol, humorously referring to it as the “belly of the beast.”
Though she has not held elected office, Wilson brings significant political experience, having managed a 2010 campaign for a ballot initiative that mandated parental notification for abortions. Additionally, she is sponsoring a push to repeal ranked-choice voting, an issue she holds as a priority. Wilson leads Denali Disposal Inc., a waste management company, and is also connected to Alaska’s political legacy as the grand-niece of former Governor Walter J. Hickel.
Wilson’s campaign priorities center around infrastructure and budgeting, specifically addressing what she describes as “bloat” in the state’s financial structure caused by a rising number of public employees. As she prepares for her gubernatorial run, Wilson emphasized her commitment to making tangible improvements in the state.
She becomes the third Republican candidate to file for the upcoming election, following Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and former Fairbanks state Senator Click Bishop, who also announced their intentions earlier this month.
Wilson’s background and commitment to Alaska’s issues position her as a notable contender as the race for governor heats up leading into the 2026 election. As she embarks on this political journey, her focus remains on fostering change and tackling key issues facing the state. More updates on her campaign and initiatives are expected as the election date approaches.
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