By Zack Gottshall
Two years ago, Alaska Republican House District 13 recognized a problem created by Alaska’s open-primary, ranked-choice voting system and proposed a straightforward solution. In August 2024, District 13 unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Republican candidates to respect the results of the primary and withdraw from the general election when another Republican received more votes.
The resolution stated: “We urge all Republican candidates who are opposed by at least one other Republican candidate for the Same U.S. Congress or State office to publicly declare their willingness to withdraw from the General Election if the results of the primary election favor another Republican candidate.”
The resolution also recognized that remaining in the race despite an unfavorable primary result risked diluting Republican resources and focus. Must Read Alaska reported on the resolution on August 8, 2024: One team, one dream: Alaska’s District 13 Republicans challenge congressional candidates.
The principle behind that resolution is just as relevant today.
Seventeen candidates entered Alaska’s gubernatorial primary, including a remarkably crowded Republican field. Before any of those votes were cast, Bernadette Wilson made her position clear: if she was not the top Republican vote-getter, she would withdraw and fully endorse the Republican who was.
Her words were unequivocal: “I am 100% committed to dropping out of this race if I am not the top Republican voter getter, and to fully endorsing whoever is that winner.”
Wilson made that commitment before she knew the outcome. Now, the primary results have placed Wilson at the head of the Republican field. It is time for the other Republican candidates to demonstrate that same commitment.
Those who finished behind Wilson should step aside and unite behind the Republican voters’ clear choice.
This is not about personalities. It is not about emotions, bruised egos or diminishing the effort of anyone who stepped forward to serve Alaska. It is about winning.
Consolidating the Republican field would prevent ranked-choice voting from dividing Republican support among competing candidates in November. More importantly, it would align limited campaign resources, donors, volunteers and grassroots organizations behind one clear Republican leader as we prepare for the General Election.
And the Governor’s race is not the only fight before us.
Alaska also has two critical congressional seats to defend. Senator Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich must retain their seats to ensure Alaska has a strong voice in Washington and that our economic future remains secure. We cannot afford to squander limited Republican resources fighting among ourselves when those resources, volunteers, and energy are needed to win these critical races in November.
Every dollar spent fighting another Republican is a dollar unavailable for the General Election. Every volunteer divided between Republican campaigns weakens the collective effort. Every week spent continuing the primary fight gives our political opposition an advantage.
District 13 understood that reality in 2024. Bernadette Wilson understood it when she voluntarily made the same commitment in 2025—long before she knew whether she would be the candidate asked to step aside or the candidate asking others to unite behind her. That matters.
A commitment to unity only means something when we are willing to honor it regardless of who wins.
The primary has now given Republicans a clear leader. The remaining Republican candidates should follow Wilson’s example: step aside, endorse the top Republican vote-getter, and bring their supporters, volunteers and resources together for November.
We had our primary. Now it is time to unite.
One team. One goal. Win the General Election.
Zack Gottshall is a retired U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, former Vice Chairman of the Alaska Republican Party, and an Anchorage small business owner.
