On Saturday, Jan 10, the Alaska Young Republicans hosted their State Convention featuring a panel of ten of the twelve Republican gubernatorial candidates for this year’s election: Bernadette Wilson, Adam Crum, Edna DeVries, Matt Heilala, Shelley Hughes, Click Bishop, Treg Taylor, Dave Bronson, James Parkin IV, and Bruce Walden. Candidates for Governor Nancy Dahlstrom and Hank Henry Kroll did not participate in the event.
The event began with an opportunity for attendees to visit the various candidates’ booths, talk with campaign volunteers, and grab free merch.
Nick Begich: Wins in Congress, Warning Against Collectivism
After everyone was seated, the Young Republicans played a video from Representative Nick Begich III. Begich shared some of his key accomplishments while serving in the U.S. Congress: eliminating tax on tips and tax on overtime, reducing taxes for senior citizens on social security, increasing Alaska’s revenue split from 50/50 (state/federal) to 70/30 (state/federal), and advancing resource development.
Begich also addressed Maduro’s capture, stating that Venezuela was a failed state with its people suffering under a dictator. “We can’t let that happen here,” he said. Referencing New York Mayor Mamdani’s Inaugural Speech, Begich called Alaskans to “protect rugged individualism,” noting, contrary to Mamdani, that “there is nothing warm about collectivism.”
Dan Sullivan: Unlocking Alaska, Beating the Democrats
Next, Senator Dan Sullivan gave a speech live at the event. His speech focused on America’s military prowess, resource development for Alaska, and Democrats’ collective effort to “kill Alaska.”
According to Sullivan, he has made significant progress in Congress on three main projects for Alaska: 1) putting the Alaska North Slope back at the center of oil production and pushing the LNG project forward, 2) enhancing Alaska’s military infrastructure, and 3) investing in Alaska’s healthcare system.
When the Biden Administration issued 70 acts specifically impeding Alaska’s resource development, Sullivan said, “Biden, why are you doing this? You are sanctioning Alaska more than Iran and Venezuela, and they are terrorist states!” He then highlighted his and the Trump Admin’s efforts to unlock Alaska’s resources.
Sullivan also addressed Democrats high spending to influence elections. “The Democrats will have more money. We know it,” stated Sullivan, but nevertheless, Sullivan won his last reelection despite Democrats massively outspending Republicans. Sullivan expresses hope in the principle that it is not the money that matters, but the vote that counts.
Gubernatorial Candidates: Introductions
Alaska Young Republicans Chair Jarrett Freeman moderated the gubernatorial candidate panel. The first question: “Who are you and what do people misunderstand about you?”
Bernadette Wilson highlighted her long history in Alaska. She was born and raised in Alaska and is the founder and owner of Denali Disposal, a local waste management and trash collection service. She says she is well-prepared to take on politicians because “I know dirt and I know trash.” She also encouraged the audience to “pay attention to who is answering the questions and who is avoiding the question.”
Adam Crum highlighted his career as Commissioner of Revenue and Commissioner of Health. He talked about the great need for resource development in Alaska, stating, “I am tired of Alaskans leaving the state for opportunity.”
Edna DeVries drew on her experience at Mayor of the Mat-Su Borough and focused on her prioritization of election integrity.
Matt Heilala shared his background as a fisherman for 15 years and then his career transition to podiatry. “My passion is the next generation,” he stated. He also highlighted his passion for technology.
Shelley Hughes emphasized her proven track record as a former Alaska State Senator. She talked about the many roles she has had during her 50 years in Alaska: from starting out below the poverty line with a job as a washerwoman to being a stay-at-home mom to serving in the Alaska Senate.
Click Bishop expressed his delight at seeing many young conservatives in attendance and highlighted the need for continued political engagement among young people.
Treg Taylor highlighted his business experience, stating, “We need to get the economy moving again.”
Dave Bronson asked the candidates running for Anchorage Assembly to stand up, emphasizing the importance of local elections. “The most important election is the next election,” he stated. Anchorage Assembly elections will be held April 7, 2026.
James Parkin IV highlighted his military service and concern regarding the state budget and Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend.
Bruce Walden also highlighted his military service as a Special Forces soldier, emphasizing his unique training as “an outside-of-the-box thinker.” He also encouraged attendees to check out his books, saying “I wrote full books. I won’t give you soundbites; I will give you details.”
Next Up: What Is the Biggest Challenge Alaska Faces in the Next 5 Years?
Keep an eye out for Part II where Shelley Hughes, Adam Crum, Treg Taylor, and Bernadette Wilson answer the question: “What Is the Biggest Challenge Alaska Faces in the Next 5 Years?”
In Part III, Click Bishop, Bruce Walden, Dave Bronson, and Matt Heilala tell us where they think current leadership has gotten it right and where it is falling short.
Part IV reveals Edna DeVries’s and James Parkin IV’s thoughts on which issues we are not spending enough time talking about.
In Part V, all ten candidates address the questions: “What is something you are for that is not popular?” and “What do Republicans disagree on that you think is healthy disagreement?”
Part VI features candidates’ answers to audience questions.
And last, but not least, Part VII will share each candidate’s closing remarks.
Hughes Wins Straw Poll
Alaska Young Republicans also conducted a straw poll, inviting attendees to mark down who they plan to vote for. Shelley Hughes won the straw poll, followed by Adam Crum. The results: 35 votes for Hughes, 30 votes from Crum, 19 for Bronson, 15 for Taylor, 15 for Heilala, 10 for Wilson, 10 for DeVries, 7 for Bishop, 5 for Walden, 3 for Dahlstrom, 2 for James Parkin IV, and 0 for Hank Henry Kroll.
Thanks for this great summary of the event.
I my opinion, my ex-senator Shelley Hughes has the right stuff to be governor. Unfortunately who we elect doesn’t matter much if we can’t fix the unethical rino problems we have in Juneau.