Alaska’s upcoming gubernatorial race is being shaped by a strategic appeal from local conservatives who say the state’s Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system rewards teamwork, not single‑candidate dominance. In a recent opinion column, several prominent Republican voices urged voters to rank all three GOP candidates—Bernadette Wilson, Attorney General Treg Taylor and Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson—on their ballots.
Why the ranking strategy matters
The call comes after an AARP poll released on September 18 showed a statistical possibility that Democrat Jonathon Kreiss‑Tomkins could win. While the poll does not guarantee a Democratic victory, it highlights a sizable share of undecided voters who could swing the final round. Conservatives argue that by encouraging supporters to rank Wilson first and then Taylor and Bronson in any order, the GOP can keep its votes in play through every counting round.
Wilson’s recent move and its implications
On the same day the first‑round ballots were mailed to military and overseas voters, Wilson issued a press release asking Taylor and Bronson to suspend their campaigns and rally behind her. The column acknowledges Wilson’s boldness but cautions that a single‑candidate push may alienate independent and younger voters, who, according to the AARP poll, are undecided at a nearly two‑to‑one ratio compared with older voters.
Cooperation among the three Republicans
All three candidates share core conservative priorities: lowering fuel and grocery costs, protecting the Permanent Fund Dividend, defending families from what the column describes as “cultural activists,” and safeguarding food and water supplies. By uniting around these common‑sense policies, the GOP can present a united front to independents and moderate voters.
Practical steps for voters
The column warns that a “bullet vote” for Wilson and her running mate Mike Shower could exhaust a ballot, effectively silencing the voter in later rounds. Instead, voters should rank Wilson first, then choose between Taylor and Bronson for their second and third preferences. Likewise, Taylor’s and Bronson’s supporters should rank Wilson next, ensuring that no conservative vote is discarded.
Local voices weigh in
Several Alaska conservatives added their endorsements to the strategy:
- Greg Sarber, writer and former board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc.
- Jim Minnery, President of Alaska Family Council, who called for a prayer gathering among Christians.
- Rep. Kevin McCabe (R‑Big Lake), who urged voters to “use their own weapon to beat them.”
- Shelley Hughes, former 2026 gubernatorial candidate, who endorsed Taylor while encouraging ranking the other two.
- Dr. George B. Hightower, former lieutenant‑governor candidate, who framed the race as a fight for freedom.
These endorsements underscore a broad coalition of faith‑based, family‑focused and liberty‑oriented Alaskans who see the ranking approach as the most effective way to secure a conservative governor.
What this means for Alaskans
With the primary already concluded and the general‑election ballot set, the next weeks will be a test of whether Republican voters can set aside personal ambitions and work together. The column concludes with a clear call: “Pair ‘em up in threes and rank the Republicans.” By doing so, Alaskans can ensure that every conservative voice remains counted, giving the GOP the best chance to retain the governor’s office.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
