As Alaska prepares for the November governor’s race, a coalition of local conservatives is urging voters to use ranked‑choice voting (RCV) strategically. Their message is simple: rank all three Republican candidates on the ballot. By doing so, voters can keep the vote threshold low enough to prevent Democrat John K. Treadwell (JKT) from winning.
Why the Focus on Ranking All Three Republicans?
Under RCV, a voter’s second and third choices are counted if the first‑choice candidate is eliminated. Conservatives argue that if a voter selects only one Republican, the vote may be transferred to a Democrat once the other Republicans are knocked out, effectively lowering the threshold for JKT’s victory. By ranking every Republican, the vote stays within the party, making it harder for a Democrat to win with a fragmented opposition.
Critics of JKT’s Record and Proposals
Opponents point to JKT’s legislative history, noting that he voted to reduce the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) each year for a decade. They claim his promises to stabilize and grow the PFD conflict with that record, likening it to “hiring a fox to manage a hen house.”
JKT’s fiscal plan includes a tax on oil companies, specifically Hilcorp, framed as a way to fund new investments. Conservatives warn that such a tax would likely be passed on to Alaskans, potentially worsening the state’s six‑year out‑migration trend and harming the private sector that already loses billions annually due to population loss.
On health policy, JKT supports expanding Medicaid. Critics note that Alaska already spends over $50 million subsidizing native care under Medicaid—a cost they say is primarily a federal obligation. They argue that further expansion would increase state spending without clear benefit.
Education is another flashpoint. JKT proposes a constitutional amendment to forward‑fund public schools, a move conservatives say is unlikely to gain the two‑thirds legislative support required for amendment. They contrast this with the Blaine Amendment, which currently blocks funding for alternative education, arguing that preserving competition would improve academic outcomes.
Linking the Election to National Issues
The commentary also ties Alaska’s choice to the broader legacy of President Donald Trump. While acknowledging differing opinions on the President, the writers assert that Trump’s policies have empowered Alaskans to shape their resource future. They caution that electing a Democrat governor could reverse those gains, leading to increased wind‑energy projects and higher taxes on the state’s largest financial customer.
Voices from the Conservative Community
- Todd Lindley, Vice President of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc., urges Republicans to present a united front.
- Greg Sarber, conservative writer and former board member of Alaska Gold Communications, emphasizes strategic voting.
- Jim Minnery, President of Alaska Family Council, calls for a prayer gathering to support the campaign.
- Rep. Kevin McCabe (R‑Big Lake) advises voters to “use their own weapon to beat them.”
- Shelley Hughes, former 2026 gubernatorial candidate, endorses Treg Taylor and the other two Republican contenders.
- Dr. George B. Hightower, former lieutenant‑governor candidate, frames the race as a fight for freedom.
What Voters Should Do
Alaskans are reminded that roughly two‑thirds of registered voters are independents, libertarians, or members of smaller parties. The conservative coalition urges these voters to rank the three Republican candidates to ensure a conservative governor who will protect the Permanent Fund, keep taxes low, and preserve limited government.
By following this strategy, voters can help secure a future that aligns with Alaska’s tradition of personal liberty, strong families, and faith‑based community values.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
