Candidate slate finalized for Alaska’s statewide elections

Alaska’s filing deadline for statewide elections concluded Monday at 5 p.m., finalizing the slate of candidates for the August 18 primary. A total of 17 candidates entered the race for governor, including former Governor Bill Walker, who filed late after teasing a run last week. Walker, a Republican-turned-independent who served from 2014 to 2018, joined the race with Randy Hoffbeck, his former revenue commissioner, as his lieutenant governor pick. The pair filed paperwork in Anchorage, emphasizing a campaign focus on long-term fiscal planning and revenue growth from Alaska’s resource industry. Walker’s entry brings the governor’s race to 17 contenders, including 11 Republicans, three Democrats, and three independents. Current Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, a Republican, withdrew from the race just before the deadline, citing a crowded field. She had previously run in the 2024 U.S. House race before dropping out. Dahlstrom’s exit leaves Walker as the only former governor in the race, with incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy term-limited from reelection. Alaska’s election system requires all candidates to appear on a single nonpartisan primary ballot, with the top four vote-getters advancing to the November general election. The primary covers a U.S. Senate seat, a U.S. House seat, the governor’s office, and 50 legislative seats. Walker’s campaign aims to address fiscal challenges, including balancing annual budgets—a priority from his previous tenure. Walker’s decision to run came after a weekend of deliberation, despite calls from other candidates urging him to stay out. His name recognition and political experience are expected to shake up the race, which already includes candidates from across the political spectrum. The August primary will determine which candidates advance to the general election under Alaska’s unique voting rules.