Alaskans vote on state government, federal seats, and election rules

Alaskans cast ballots on Nov. 3 in a general election that determines the state's next governor, its U.S. Senate representation, and the structure of future state elections.

The governor's race features Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins against three Republicans: Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor. Incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited. Polls show Kreiss-Tomkins has a strong chance to become the first Democratic governor since Tony Knowles left office in 2002. Kreiss-Tomkins has proposed restoring pensions for teachers and state employees, funding public schools, and limiting new data centers. Wilson, endorsed by President Donald Trump, aims to increase the Permanent Fund dividend. Taylor and Bronson generally support policies similar to Dunleavy's.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan faces Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, independent Dan J. Sullivan, and Republican Gerald Heikes. Polling indicates the race is within the margin of error. Peltola has campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. Sullivan has supported federal military expansions in Alaska. A Peltola victory would increase the likelihood of a Democratic takeover of the Senate. Republicans have suggested they might dispute the results if Peltola wins by a margin smaller than the number of votes received by Dan J. Sullivan.

The state House race pits incumbent Republican Rep. Nick Begich III against independent Bill Hill, Democratic candidate Eric Hafner, and Libertarian Jim McDermott. Begich was first elected in 2024. The Alaska Democratic Party supports Hill over Hafner. Polls suggest Hafner may receive more than 5% of first-choice votes, which could help Begich. Hill has stated he would not serve under House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Voters also decide the fate of Ballot Measure 2. If passed, the measure repeals the current election system where all candidates run together in a primary. It returns control of primaries to political parties and eliminates ranked choice voting for general elections. The measure would also allow third-party donors to remain anonymous. A related issue regarding donation limits for governor candidates is expected to be resolved after the election.

Ballot Measure 3 makes a minor revision to the state's ban on noncitizen voting. The Alaska Legislature is currently controlled by coalitions. These groups have clashed with Gov. Dunleavy, who vetoed more than 25% of legislation. If Kreiss-Tomkins wins and the coalitions hold, the executive and legislative branches may align on issues like school funding. If a Republican wins the governorship, conflicts may continue.