Alaska’s 2026 gubernatorial election is shaping up as a pivotal moment for the state’s conservative future. The ranked‑choice voting (RCV) system, while intended to give voters more flexibility, can actually hand victory to a Democrat if Republican voters do not rank every GOP candidate on their ballots. The three viable Republican contenders—Dave Bronson, Treg Taylor and Bernadette Wilson—each bring distinct strengths that align with traditional family values, faith‑based principles and individual liberty.

Why Ranking All Three Republicans Matters

Under RCV, a candidate must secure more than 50 % of the vote in the first round to win outright. If no one reaches that threshold, the candidate with the fewest first‑choice votes is eliminated and their ballots are removed from further consideration. This process, known as ballot exhaustion, disproportionately harms a party that fields multiple candidates because each round can strip away votes that would otherwise stay within the party.

In Alaska’s race, the Democratic nominee, Jonathan Kreiss‑Tomkins, is the sole liberal candidate. Should Republican voters rank only their favorite and leave the other two GOP options unmarked, the eliminated candidate’s ballots will be discarded, leaving the remaining Republican vote pool smaller and giving Kreiss‑Tomkins a clear path to the final round.

Candidate Snapshots

Dave Bronson – The former Anchorage mayor brings executive experience and a proven record of confronting the Anchorage Assembly on conservative policy proposals. His supporters cite his confidence and willingness to challenge the Democrat‑led legislature, making him a strong choice for voters who want decisive leadership.

Treg Taylor – As a former Attorney General, Taylor knows the inner workings of the state’s executive branch. His ticket is bolstered by running mate Candi English, owner of a major oil‑field services firm on the North Slope. English’s business background promises a focus on election integrity and a pragmatic approach to Alaska’s energy sector.

Bernadette Wilson – Wilson runs as a Trump‑aligned Republican, echoing the MAGA philosophy that resonates with many Alaskans. She earned the most Republican votes in the fragmented primary, has experience advising former Congressman Nick Begich, and co‑sponsored a ballot measure to repeal ranked‑choice voting, underscoring her commitment to preserving conservative electoral mechanisms.

Strategic Voting Advice

Republican leaders, including Representative Sarah Vance, have urged voters to “rank all three or get JKT.” The message is clear: regardless of personal preference, each Republican should appear somewhere on the ballot. This strategy ensures that no GOP vote is lost to exhaustion and that the Democratic candidate cannot win by default.

Local faith‑based and family‑focused organizations have echoed this call. Jim Minnery of the Alaska Family Council, Dr. George B. Hightower, former Lt. Governor candidate, and business leaders Jon Faulkner and Todd Lindley have all emphasized that a united Republican front is essential to safeguarding Alaska’s traditional values and economic freedom.

What Voters Should Do

• Mark Dave Bronson, Treg Taylor and Bernadette Wilson in any order on the ballot.
• Avoid ranking only one Republican; any unranked Republican will be eliminated and their votes discarded.
• Leave Jonathan Kreiss‑Tomkins off the ballot entirely to prevent a liberal takeover.

By following these steps, Alaskans can ensure that the governor’s office remains in the hands of those who respect the Constitution, support strong families, and uphold the Christian heritage that defines much of the state’s culture.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming primary has already clarified the field, leaving the general election as a test of strategic voting. If Republican voters act together, the RCV system will work as intended—allowing the electorate to choose the most preferred conservative candidate without inadvertently handing power to the opposition.

Alaska’s future depends on informed, faith‑guided citizens who understand the mechanics of ranked‑choice voting and use that knowledge to protect the values that make the state strong.

Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.