Alaska’s recent gubernatorial primary left one Republican, Bernette Wilson, clearly ahead of the field, yet the state’s ranked‑choice voting system threatens to dilute her support. As a former lieutenant‑governor candidate and retired Navy reservist, I urge fellow conservatives to set aside personal ambitions and coalesce around Wilson to preserve the state’s traditional values and fiscal responsibility.
Primary results and the danger of division
The primary produced four final contenders: Democrat JKT, Republican Bernette Wilson, and two additional Republican hopefuls, Bronson and Treg Taylor. Wilson captured the highest share of the Republican vote, while JKT earned only 22.5% of the Democratic primary vote. Despite Wilson’s lead, the ranked‑choice system allows voters to rank multiple candidates, meaning that if the lower‑placed Republicans stay in the race, their second‑choice votes could ultimately boost JKT.
Historical context of Alaska’s elections
Alaska has not elected a Democratic governor in 25 years, and historically the primary winner has gone on to win the general election, with only two exceptions (1990 and 2014). Those outlier races involved unique circumstances—Wally Hickel’s post‑primary insertion and Bill Walker’s independent ticket—none of which apply to the current contest.
Why ranked‑choice voting favors the left when conservatives split
Ranked‑choice voting is designed to reward broad consensus. When a party’s base fragments, the system can propel a candidate with a solid, unified second‑choice base—often a Democrat in Alaska—into the lead. In the 2022 special House race, a split between Sarah Palin and Nick Begich allowed Democrat Mary Peltola to win after second‑choice votes flowed to her.
Bernette Wilson’s advantages
Wilson’s campaign is rooted in Alaska‑first principles. In 2022, incumbent Governor Mike Dunleavy secured 92% of his campaign funding from Alaskan sources, demonstrating the importance of local financial support. Wilson similarly emphasizes home‑grown funding and policies that protect families, faith, and individual liberty.
Strategic voting guidance
To prevent a far‑left governor, Republican voters should:
- Rank Bernette Wilson as their first choice.
- Place the remaining Republican candidates (Bronson and Taylor) in the second and third slots, in whichever order reflects personal preference.
- Avoid ranking JKT at any position; even a low ranking could eventually transfer votes to him under the algorithm.
- Recognize that only about 11% of Alaskans are registered Democrats, so the general election will likely be decided in later rounds where second‑choice selections matter most.
Faith, family, and freedom at stake
Alaska’s future hinges on preserving the constitutional freedoms our forefathers fought for. A divided conservative electorate hands the advantage to progressive candidates who favor expanded government programs and policies that undermine traditional family structures. By uniting behind Wilson, voters uphold the principles of personal liberty, parental rights, and faith‑based community values.
Conclusion
The upcoming general election will test whether Alaska’s conservatives can set aside personal ambition and embrace a unified strategy. The stakes are high: a Republican governor who respects the Constitution and supports families, versus a progressive leader who may steer the state toward big‑government policies. Let’s follow the historic lesson of unity—”Unite or Die”—and ensure Bernette Wilson leads the way.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
