Page 15 – Must Read Alaska

Opinion: Taking the Alaska Republican Party from Rebranded to Operational

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April 16, 2026

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Opinion: Taking the Alaska Republican Party from Rebranded to Operational

By Paul A. Bauer Jr.

The Illusion of Progress

Alaska Republicans are facing a structural problem that can no longer be ignored. Despite electoral wins and a stabilized public image, the Alaska Republican Party has failed to convert political support into governing outcomes. The result is a Legislature that does not reliably function as Republican, a loss of influence in Anchorage, and a growing disconnect between the party and its base. This is not a messaging failure—it is an operational one. Unless addressed immediately, it will continue to cost Republicans control of Alaska’s political future.

Over the past two years, the Alaska Republican Party (ARP) has made visible strides in one area: branding.

The image improved. The tone became more measured. The party moved away from internal chaos and presented a more stable public face. For many, that alone felt like progress. But branding is not performance. Branding is not governance. Branding is not victory.

The hard truth is this: while the party focused on how it looks, it failed to build how it operates. And now, the consequences are materializing across Alaska’s political landscape. The Alaska Republican Party is not losing because it lacks voters. It is losing because it lacks operational capability.

Legislative Failure: Republicans in Name Only

The most visible failure is in the Alaska Legislature. Republicans continue to be elected under the party banner, benefiting from its support, its platform, and its voter base. Yet once in office, many abandon alignment with Republican principles and choose to govern in coalition with Democrats.

This is not a messaging problem. This is not a voter problem. This is an accountability problem.

There are no meaningful consequences for elected Republicans who turn away from the party that helped elect them. No enforcement mechanism. No performance standard. No structured discipline. When there are no consequences, there is no incentive to remain aligned. That is not a failure of individual candidates alone, it is a failure of the institution itself.

A political party that cannot hold its own elected officials accountable is not functioning as a governing organization. It is functioning as a temporary label.

Anchorage: A Predictable Loss, Not an Isolated Event

The loss of Anchorage should have been treated as a five-alarm warning. Instead, it was rationalized.

The Municipality of Anchorage, the largest population center in Alaska, shifted toward leadership that reflects a different governing philosophy, one that is now advancing policies tied to increased spending, expanded bureaucracy, and long-term fiscal pressure on residents.

This did not happen overnight. It happened because Republicans failed to organize, failed to communicate effectively, and failed to maintain a disciplined political presence in the state’s most critical urban center.

Anchorage was not just a loss; it was a predictable outcome of organizational weakness. And unless corrected, it will not be the last.

Ranked Choice Voting: A Factor, Not an Excuse

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) has been cited repeatedly as a primary cause of Republican setbacks. It is a factor. But it is not the root cause. A disciplined, well-structured, and operational political party can compete under any electoral system. Across the country, parties adapt to changing rules and still win because they possess internal cohesion, strategic clarity, and organizational strength.

The Alaska Republican Party does not currently possess those characteristics. Blaming RCV without addressing internal deficiencies is not strategy—it is avoidance.

Rebranding Without Structure Is Failure Deferred

The current leadership deserves recognition for stabilizing the party’s image after a difficult period. That was necessary. But stabilization is not transformation.

Rebranding without building operational systems creates a false sense of progress. It masks deeper structural weaknesses that continue to undermine performance. At present, the Alaska Republican Party is largely governed by a single core framework: its rules. Rules define authority and structure, but they do not create execution capability. There is a critical difference between an organization that exists and an organization that functions.

Right now, the ARP exists. It does not function at the level required to compete and win consistently.

What an Operational Party Requires

If the Alaska Republican Party intends to reverse course, it must transition from a brand-centered organization to an operations-driven institution. That requires the deliberate development and implementation of foundational systems:

Organizational Doctrine: A clear, enforceable framework that defines how the party conducts political operations such as campaign coordination, issue prioritization, and statewide strategy.
Candidate Vetting and Accountability Systems: A structured process to evaluate candidates before endorsement and monitor performance after election, with defined consequences for deviation from party alignment.
Communications and Message Discipline: A coordinated messaging apparatus supported by data, research, and strategic targeting rather than fragmented individual messaging efforts.
Leadership Development and Training: A pipeline that prepares candidates and party leaders to operate effectively in governance, campaigns, and public engagement.
Financial Management and Resource Allocation: Strategic investment in infrastructure, messaging, and long-term capability rather than reactive or personality-driven spending.
Data and Technology Infrastructure: Modern voter data systems, analytics, and targeting tools that inform decisions and enhance competitiveness.
Legal, Ethics, and Compliance Frameworks: Clear policies that protect the party’s integrity while enabling decisive enforcement actions when necessary.

Without these systems, the party will continue to operate reactively rather than strategically.

The Most Dangerous Threat: Internal Disfunction

The most immediate threat to the Alaska Republican Party is not external opposition. It is internal dysfunction. The party is increasingly defined by lack of delegation, poor communication, weak accountability, limited transparency, and internal factionalism.

This creates an environment where energy is consumed internally rather than directed outward.

A party divided against itself cannot execute a coherent strategy. It cannot support candidates effectively. It cannot maintain discipline. Internal politics has become a substitute for operational focus, and it is eroding the party from within.

A Culture Problem: Complaining vs. Acting

There is also a cultural issue that cannot be ignored. Too many recognize the problems. Too few act to correct them. As has often been said: “Complaining is like sitting in a rocking chair; you feel like you’re doing something, but you’re not going anywhere.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Complaining consumes energy that should be applied to solutions. Progress requires ownership, responsibility, and action. If the same problems are being discussed repeatedly without resolution, the issue is no longer awareness— it is execution.

Strategic Reality: Alaska Is Not Immune

Across the West Coast, political control has shifted over time—California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. These transitions did not occur suddenly. They were the result of sustained organizational effort, strategic discipline, and long-term planning.

Alaska remains distinct, but it is not immune. If one side organizes and the other does not, the outcome becomes predictable. This is not a
theoretical concern. It is a developing reality.

The May Convention: A Decision Point

The upcoming Alaska Republican Party Convention is not routine. It is a decision point. Delegates will determine whether the party continues as a rebranded but operationally weak organization, or transforms into a disciplined, structured, and effective political force. This decision is not about personalities or preferences. It is about capability.

Delegates must evaluate leadership based on ability to execute, willingness to enforce standards, and capacity to build systems and sustain operations. If achieving that requires changes in leadership, then those changes must be made. Maintaining the status quo out of comfort or familiarity will not produce different results.

From Words to Operation

Delegates have both authority and the responsibility to act. This is the moment to move beyond discussion and into implementation to establish operational frameworks, demand accountability, build systems that outlast individual leaders, and refocus the party on execution, not appearance.

The Alaska Republican Party does not need more messaging; it needs structure, discipline, and it needs operational leadership. Without that shift, the party will continue to lose ground, not because it lacks support, but because it lacks the ability to convert that support into sustained political success.

The time for rebranding has passed.

The time for operation is now.

Paul A. Bauer, Jr. is 36 year Alaska resident, military retiree, former elected official, trainer, instructor, consultant and ARP District Chair. He is currently seeking to be a Lieutenant Governor running mate and Vice Chair of the Alaska Republican Party.

“A New Era of Seafood Policy:” USDA Creates Office of Seafood

Politics

Natalie Spaulding

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April 15, 2026

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“A New Era of Seafood Policy:” USDA Creates Office of Seafood

Today, April 15, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the creation of a new USDA office: the Office of Seafood. Senator Dan Sullivan joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to announce the new Office of Seafood’s creation.

According to a press release from Sen. Sullivan’s office, the new office will “expand federal support for America’s fishermen and seafood harvesters, and ensure fishermen, small businesses, and coastal communities have greater access to USDA programs.” Sen. Sullivan had played a key role in advocating for the new office.

“Alaska’s fishermen deserve the same federal attention, resources, and risk management tools afforded to America’s incredible farmers,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The new USDA Office of Seafood—an action I’ve been strongly advocating for over the past decade—opens the door to that opportunity. This office is going to benefit everybody: all of Alaska’s fishermen, our small businesses, and our many coastal and Interior communities from across the state. I thank Secretary Rollins and Secretary Lutnick for working closely with me and my team over the past year to fully understand the challenges facing our fishermen and coastal communities and for taking meaningful action on their behalf. With this new office, we’re going to build a stronger partnership between USDA, Department of Commerce, the entire Executive Branch, and our fishermen, so they can continue to do what they do best: sustainably harvesting the freshest and healthiest wild seafood in the world.”

Linda Behnken, Executive Director of Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) says, “This is a game changer for our fleet.”

Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Community Coalition, Michelle Stratton commented: “Expanding USDA’s support for the seafood sector is an important step toward providing small boat fishermen, seafood producers, and coastal communities with the tools and resources that have long helped strengthen America’s other food producers. That added support will help stabilize markets, strengthen local economies, and build resilience for the communities that depend on seafood. All of this provides critical value to the nation – through food security, nutrition, and strong coastal economies.”

“The Department of the Interior is thrilled to support the establishment of the first-ever Seafood Office at the Department of Agriculture – an initiative that puts the people who help feed America first,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “American fishermen are the backbone of coastal economies and a vital part of our nation’s food security. By improving coordination across agencies, the Seafood Office will ensure these fishermen can fully access the tools and programs they need to thrive.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick commented: “The Trump Administration is committed to supporting American fishermen, strengthening our coastal communities, and ensuring families have access to affordable high-quality American seafood. When our fishermen win, America wins.”

According to a USDA press release, the Office of Seafood’s primary role will be integrating America’s fishermen into USDA programs and working with the Department of Commerce to strengthen America’s seafood industry. Quoting the release, “The Federal government now enters a new era of seafood policy where American fishermen will be recognized by USDA as a key part of the U.S. food supply.”

Sullivan Celebrates New USDA Office of Seafood, Increased Federal Support for Alaska Fishermen Download

Shootout in Midtown after Attempted Grand Auto Theft

The 907

Natalie Spaulding

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April 15, 2026

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Shootout in Midtown after Attempted Grand Auto Theft

This morning, April 15, at around 3:25 a.m., a car was stolen from the Circle K at Minnesota Ave and Spenard Rd. The owner of the vehicle called APD, who responded quickly.

APD chased the suspects until they stopped at 34th Ave and Eureka St. The two thieves exited the vehicle: one was arrested immediately and the other fled on foot. A police officer and his K9 pursued the suspect.

“The suspect at one point in time turns and fires between one and three rounds in the direction of the officers,” Police Chief Sean Case stated. “Four officers returned fire. During the exchange, our K9 Kiska was struck by one of the rounds.

Kiska was taken to an animal hospital and had one of his toes amputated as a result of his injuries. His wounds are not life-threatening. It is unknown as of now whether the dog will continue his service with APD.

The suspect was also wounded as a result of the shooting and taken to a local hospital.

This is the third officer-involved shooting in Anchorage in the span of three weeks. However, Chief Case says that public-involved shootings overall have decreased over the last six months. In September, there were 446 shootings involving the public. In February, there were 230.

A press conference with updates on the case is scheduled for next week.

Trump Addresses Alaskans in Post Condemning Ranked-Choice Voting

Natalie Spaulding

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April 15, 2026

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Trump Addresses Alaskans in Post Condemning Ranked-Choice Voting

Last Friday, April 10, President Trump posted on Truth Social about the “disastrous, and very fraudulent” ranked-choice voting (RCV) system. He thanked Governor Mike Dunleavy, Senator Dan Sullivan, Congressman Nick Begich, and Alaska GOP Chair Carmela Warfield for working hard to repeal RCV. “They have my Complete and Total Support,” he stated.

In his typical no-beating-around-the-bush style, Trump declared: “RANKED-CHOICE VOTING IS ONE OF THE GREATEST THREATS TO DEMOCRACY, and every single Alaskan should support the effort to repeal it once and for all.”

The ballot proposal to repeal RCV was approved by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom after verification of 42,837 signatures in support of the repealing initiative. Alaskan voters will decide whether to keep it or end it this November.

More About RCV and the Repeal Now Effort

The following is a partial reprint of a prior article by the same author.

Alaska is only one of two states that operates rank-choice voting for state-wide elections. Maine was the first to implement the new voting mechanism in 2018. Alaska followed suit in 2020. 12 additional states plus the District of Columbia have authorized the use of RCV for specific types of elections, but not for statewide elections.

Repeal Now volunteer Wyatt Young Nelson writes in an earlier column published by Must Read Alaska: “An example of what damage rank choice voting can do is the city of Minneapolis… The election required 33 rounds of vote counting and redistribution, which took weeks before a winner—Betsy Hodges—was declared. Even then, she was elected without receiving a majority of the vote. … Ballots were discarded due to errors, and others were “exhausted”—meaning votes were thrown out after several rounds because no remaining candidates were ranked. Voters found themselves forced to rank people they didn’t know, support, or agree with politically. Since then, Minneapolis has consistently had some of the lowest voter turnout rates in its municipal elections.” Nelson argues, “We’ve seen similar problems here in Alaska since adopting RCV.”

Voter turnout is a huge problem in Alaska with the highest voter turnout in the 2025 local elections only 45% of eligible voters (with many local elections seeing even lower voter turnout). Only 44.38% of Alaskan voters spoke up in the 2022 statewide election, and a slight majority (55.8%) of all registered Alaskan voters voiced their will in the 2024 national election. The unintended consequence of the majority’s refusal to vote is a democratic sanctioning of rule by the minority.

Governor Dunleavy has also published his opinion on RCV. He writes: “I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So, my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity, and confidence in our electoral process. Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates, and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.”

Alaskans attempted to repeal RCV in 2024 but lost by only 664 votes out of 340,110 total votes. On November 3, 2026, Alaskans get a chance to either reaffirm support for RCV or take down what many Alaskans consider a convoluted election sham.

Opinion: Critical Information About Alaska’s Grand Juries

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April 15, 2026

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Opinion: Critical Information About Alaska’s Grand Juries

By Edna DeVries, 2026 Candidate for Governor and current Mayor of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Because I have personally participated in events that led to the deeply divisive conflict now unfolding— and because I possess knowledge that may help ordinary Alaskans understand and safely navigate it— I feel a duty to speak.

In 1985, while serving in the Alaska State Senate, I witnessed firsthand the power and the limits of Alaska’s grand jury system. A Juneau grand jury called the Legislature into special session to consider impeachment proceedings against Governor William Sheffield. The allegations were serious: that the governor had improperly steered a $10 million state lease to a campaign contributor and then provided false testimony to the grand jury.

After extensive proceedings, the grand jury issued a report concluding that the evidence demonstrated “serious abuse of office” and that the administration was “unfit to fulfill the inherent duties of public office.” The grand jurors emphasized that their findings were thorough, complete, and in the public interest to be released for open review.

Despite this, the Senate voted 12–8 against impeachment. I was among those who voted in favor. Instead of meaningful accountability, a nonbinding resolution condemning favoritism was passed.

From that moment, I saw clearly how powerful institutions can “circle the wagons” to shield themselves— even when a body of independent citizens, constitutionally empowered to investigate wrongdoing, has determined that accountability is warranted.

Soon after, a sharply divided Alaska Supreme Court adopted Criminal Rule 6.1. In effect, this rule severely restricted the ability of grand juries to investigate and publicly report on misconduct by public officials. Notably, two of the five justices dissented, warning that the rule was unconstitutional and fundamentally undermined the Alaska Constitution. They wrote that the rule “mocks” the Constitution’s explicit protection of grand jury authority, which states that such powers “shall never be suspended.”

In the decades following the adoption of Rule 6.1, grand jury investigations into public corruption have been virtually nonexistent.

That changed in 2022, when citizens in Kenai organized sustained public demonstrations outside their courthouse, calling for a grand jury investigation into allegations that the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct had falsified or misrepresented investigations to shield judicial misconduct. Their persistence ultimately resulted in the convening of a grand jury.

Since then, credible information suggests that there have been coordinated efforts within the judicial system to obstruct or derail that investigation— raising serious concerns and fueling widespread public distrust.

In late 2024, Mayor Peter Micciche and I joined a small group of concerned citizens in respectfully requesting a meeting with the Governor and the Attorney General. Our goal was simple: to present evidence, discuss the situation, and explore solutions. Despite repeated efforts, no meeting was granted.

This lack of engagement from officials sworn to uphold the Constitution is deeply troubling. Combined with my long view of how these issues have developed and intensified over decades, it has compelled me to take action.

That is why I am running for Governor.

If elected, I will pursue a full and transparent accounting of these matters. I will initiate an independent and public investigation conducted by individuals of unquestioned integrity— people in whom the public can place genuine trust.

I will also move immediately to make public the Kenai grand jury’s report and recommendations regarding alleged judicial corruption— information that was sealed before Alaskans had the opportunity to review it. The Alaska Constitution is clear: “The power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended.”

I was born on July 12, 1941. I am 84 years old and will soon turn 85. Some may view my age as a limitation. I see it differently. I am not seeking a long political career. I am seeking one term— focused solely on addressing the serious issues facing our state.

At this stage in my life, there is little that intimidates me. But I am deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of a system that appears increasingly unaccountable— one that could affect future generations of Alaskans, including my own children and grandchildren.

That concern is what drives me to speak— and to act.

This op-ed was voluntarily submitted by 2026 Candidate for Governor Edna DeVries and not solicited by Must Read Alaska. All candidates running for elected office are welcome and encouraged to submit articles for publication. Must Read Alaska unequivocally supports the election of a conservative candidate to the Office of Governor but does not endorse a particular candidate.

Chugach Electric May 29 Election: Who’s Running?

The 907

Natalie Spaulding

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April 14, 2026

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Chugach Electric May 29 Election: Who’s Running?

The Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors has two seats open for election this year. Four candidates are running, including our very own Todd Lindley, Must Read Alaska’s Vice President of the Board.

The other three candidates running are Penny Gage, Michael McManamon, and Rachel Morse.

Chugach Electric members can vote beginning April 29 until Election Day on May 29. Elections are conducted electronically. All information will be mailed and emailed (check spam) to rate payers of Chugach Electric.

Todd Lindley

In addition to VP for Must Read Alaska, Todd Lindley has expertise as a mechanical engineer. His campaign site emphasizes “operational excellence, transparency, and affordability.” He also lists a number of key positions, the first being the recognition that “energy is national security.” He promises to pursue a Reliable Portfolio Standard, sensible energy, AK LNG readiness, affordable energy, and moving away from distracting decarbonization efforts. Learn more at toddforchugach.com.

Todd Lindley’s Candidate Statement:

As an engineer and business owner, I always look for ways to improve efficiency through process or technology, sometimes through both. Each must support the other with clear assumptions and a roadmap in order to identify and overcome constraints. In Alaska and at Chugach, we are on the cusp of moving into an energy future that will bring generational prosperity for the state and the nation but we are constrained by self-imposed limitations.

To become a leader in manufacturing, defense, and data we need to look at every opportunity that brings long-term security for ratepayers. We need to eliminate distractions like decarbonization, focus on a diverse and reliable portfolio, and rigorously evaluate investment in generation and transmission that are secure.

Key Energy Priorities:

Reliable – Stable grid infrastructure keeps the power on
when we need it most
Affordable – Economy of scale and system design
enable diversification
Secure – Local and diverse mitigates risk to ratepayers

I intend to look towards the future and advocate for services and policies that are truly beneficial to the members and enable economic growth. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Todd Lindley is endorsed by the AK Libertarian Party, Robert Wall (Homer Electric Association VP and Alaska Republican District 8 Chair), and AK GOP District 13.

Penny Gage

Penny Gage is the Energy and Policy Executive at Launch Alaska, Fulbright Arctic Initiative. Her campaign site emphasizes her Alaskan roots, energy expertise, and willingness to serve. She promises to deliver gas security, energy diversification, consumer growth, and transparent governance. Learn more at pennyforchugach.com.

Penny Gage’s Candidate Statement:

I am running for the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors to ensure reliable, affordable power for our members during a pivotal time for our region. As a member-owner, I believe Chugach Electric must remain financially strong and accountable to its members.

Born and raised in Alaska and of Tlingit heritage, I have lived in Anchorage for over 11 years and am raising two young children here with my husband. My career has focused on energy policy, infrastructure investment, and economic development. I have worked in state government, private investment, and nonprofit leadership roles evaluating capital projects and long-term risk. I currently work with utilities, policymakers, and investors to support infrastructure investments and responsibly integrate emerging technologies.

Chugach faces tightening natural gas supply, significant capital investment decisions, and heavy reliance on a single fuel. These realities require disciplined oversight, strong financial stewardship, and pragmatic long-term planning. If elected, I will focus on:

Advancing practical near-term gas supply strategies that prioritize reliability and manage costs
Protecting ratepayers through financial management and transparent governance
Reducing long-term risk through diversification and cost effective modernization

Reliable power affects every household and business. I would be honored to earn your vote.

Penny Gage’s endorsements include: The Alaska Center, IBEW 1547, and REAP; Alaska State Senators Bert Stedman, Cathy Giessel, and Forrest Dunbar; Alaska State Representatives Calvin Schrage, Zack Fields, and Carolyn Hall; former Alaska State Senator Lesil McGuire; former Alaska State Representatives Willie Hensley, Sam Kito III, Ivy Sponholz, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and Jennie Armstrong; Anchorage Assembly Members Daniel Volland, Chris Constant, and Anna Brawley; as well as Isaac Vanderburg, Shaina Kilcoyne, Erin Whitney, Sydney Scout, Diane Kaplan, Michael Bourdukofsky, Larry Persily, Raina Thiele, Kate Consenstein, Rachel Pennington, Susan Anderson, Cordelia Kellie, Claire Pywell, Rachel Kallander, Jay Hermanson, Laile Fairbairn, Ben Kellie, Kirk Rose, Gretchen Fauske, Janis Fleischman, Lance Miller, Piper Foster Wilder, Veronica Slajer, Ian Laing, Jon Bittner, and Ross Johnston.

Michael McManamon

Michael McManamon is an IS Operations Manager for Oil Search Alaska, a subsidiary of Santos LTD. Michael McManamon does not have a campaign site.

Michael McManamon’s Candidate Statement:

I am running for the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors for the opportunity to help the organization and its members be successful by leveraging the energy resources and innovation to shape the future and deliver on the possibilities Alaska holds.

The challenges we face are not insurmountable and our responses will build the foundation that we can grow on. Our members are counting on access to affordable always-on power.

The strategies I plan on addressing to achieve this include issues such as natural gas supply with a generation portfolio including renewables, clean energy, as well as proven and mature resources. Shaping the demand curve and enable facility growth not just in manufacturing but enabling AI, data centers and other innovations is a strategic goal.

Affordable and reliable energy is where I will focus. Managing costs, ensuring regulatory compliance and building a strategy with a foundation that maps out progress over the next decades are areas where the CEA board needs to direct their efforts.

Please make your voice heard and vote in this election.

Rachel Morse

Rachel Morse has worked in Operational Management for the Alaska Municipal League. Running for re-election, her campaign focuses on her prior experience on the Chugach Electric Board. According to her Facebook site, she is committed to renewable energy, safety, reliability, affordability, and “working for a vibrant Alaska economy.” Learn more at http://facebook.com/Morse4Chugach. According to a Facebook post, her campaign site will be launching soon.

Rachel Morse’s Candidate Statement:

In my past two terms, I have worked hard to help position Chugach Electric to meet the challenges of gas supply, renewable integration, and responsible rates.

The environment in which Chugach Electric provides reliable, affordable, and responsibly sourced power is evolving. Soon we will be beyond our long-term local gas supply contract, leaning into a Railbelt-wide Integrated Resource Plan, and continuing to balance infrastructure needs with load growth. As a current board member, I possess a strong combination of experience, commitment, and optimism for the important road ahead.

Recent initiatives I have supported include successful management of Beluga River gas field, gas storage and gas exchange agreements, southern transmission line rebuild work, and Alaska’s first community solar project. Thank you to our members for supporting me and through your engagement, helping me to represent your interests. I would be honored to have your vote for another term.

My priorities are:

Ensuring we meet natural gas supply needs
Grid Infrastructure Upgrades and Railbelt-wide planning
Continued responsible renewable energy integration

All of that while working hard to control costs, maintain reliability, and keep the lowest rates on the Railbelt.

Thank you!

Along with Penny Gage, Rachel Morse is also endorsed by The Alaska Center, a prominent climate activist organization.

Opinion: Make Election Day Mean Election Day Again

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

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April 14, 2026

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Opinion: Make Election Day Mean Election Day Again

By Joshua Church, 2026 Candidate for Lieutenant Governor with Dave Bronson

The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a decision that cuts to the core of election integrity in this country. At issue is something most Americans would consider basic: should ballots be counted after Election Day?

For most of our history, the answer was clear. Election Day meant one day. Voters made their decisions based on the same information, cast their ballots, and by the end of the night, or shortly after, the country knew the result.

That clarity is gone.

Over time, our election system has been stretched and reshaped. Voting now happens over weeks or even months. Some people vote long before debates, disclosures, or late-breaking facts. Others vote after Election Day has passed. The result is a system that feels less like a shared civic moment and more like a prolonged process with moving goalposts.

The case before the Court focuses on late-arriving mail ballots, but the issue is bigger than one rule. It is about whether we return to a system that is simple, understandable, and trusted.

Confidence matters.

When elections drag on for days or weeks, when rules differ widely, and when outcomes shift after election night, trust erodes. Even if every ballot is lawful, prolonged uncertainty damages confidence in the result.

That is a problem we cannot afford.

A strong election system should rest on a few clear principles:

Every eligible citizen can vote, and no one else
Every legal vote is counted accurately
The rules are consistent and enforced
The outcome is known promptly

Right now, too many Americans question whether those standards are being met.

There are real, practical steps that can restore confidence and strengthen our elections:

Same-day, in-person voting as the standard
Photo ID requirements to verify voter identity
Limiting mail-in voting to true absentee ballots with strong verification
Clear chain-of-custody rules for every ballot
Full transparency with observers, audits, and outside oversight
Strong election watcher access at every stage
Regular maintenance and cleanup of voter rolls
Paper ballots with hand-counted or verifiable audit systems

These are not extreme ideas. They are common-sense safeguards used in many places that run secure and trusted elections.

Other modern democracies run elections that are both accessible and decisive. They vote, they count, and they report results quickly. There is no reason the United States cannot meet that same standard.

The Supreme Court now has an opportunity to reinforce a simple idea: “Election Day” should have meaning.

If the Court sets a clear expectation that ballots must be received by the close of polls, it would send a signal to states and legislatures to bring their systems back into alignment with common sense and public confidence.

But courts alone cannot fix this.

State leaders, including our lieutenant governor who oversees elections, must take this responsibility seriously. Election systems should be transparent, efficient, and secure. They should be easy to understand and hard to question.

Every eligible voter deserves to know their vote counts.

And just as important, every voter deserves to know their vote is not diluted by error, mismanagement, or abuse.

As a veteran, I took an oath to defend the Constitution. That oath did not end with my service. The right to vote is one of its most fundamental protections.

The men and women who have fought to defend this country did not do so for a system people question. They did it for one the people trust.

It is time to restore that trust.

It is time to make Election Day mean Election Day again.

Josh Church is a Fairbanks resident, a financial adviser rep, and a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, running alongside Candidate for Governor Dave Bronson.

This op-ed was voluntarily submitted by Joshua Church and not solicited by Must Read Alaska. All candidates running for elected office are welcome and encouraged to submit articles for publication. Must Read Alaska unequivocally supports the election of a conservative candidate to the Office of Governor but does not endorse a particular candidate.

Report: Cracking Down on Big Tech to Protect Our Kids’ Mental Health

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April 14, 2026

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Report: Cracking Down on Big Tech to Protect Our Kids’ Mental Health

By Dan Sullivan, U.S. State Senator for Alaska

Dear Alaskan,

I’m writing to you about an issue I hear about in every corner of our state: the growing crisis in children’s mental health, and how the online world is affecting it.

The statistics are deeply concerning. Suicide rates among young people have risen dramatically in recent years, more than 60 percent since 2007, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, indicators of poor mental health, specifically among teenage girls, have surged, with nearly 60 percent reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021—an alarming increase over the past decade.

What’s driving this? There are many factors. But I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that these trends accelerated alongside the rapid expansion of social media and the growing amount of time our kids spend online.

In July 2023, I hosted the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, in Anchorage to hold a series of town hall-style roundtables—as well as a Facebook Live discussion—to discuss the mental health crisis among our youth, how social media impacts that crisis, and how we can unite our resources to combat it. Hundreds of Alaska mental health experts, parents, youth, public officials, Alaska Native and non-profit leaders, attended and shared insights and possible solutions.

That work helped lead to the Senate’s recent unanimous passage of the Advancing Digital Support (ADS) for Mental Health Services Act—legislation I introduced to bring greater transparency and accountability to social media platforms. The ADS for Mental Health Act requires platforms to report on their targeted advertising and encourages them to dedicate a portion of that advertising space to mental health public service announcements and community-based resources. If these platforms are going to reach our kids every day, they should also be part of the solution.

This builds on broader efforts I’ve supported, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), to give parents significantly more control over what their kids are allowed to see online and hold platforms accountable for harmful content.

These are positive steps, but we need to do more. Solving this crisis requires coordination across schools, health care providers, and community organizations. I supported the legislation that established the 9-8-8 national suicide and mental health crisis hotline and continue to back efforts to expand telehealth resources so that distance is not a barrier to getting help. Prevention remains central to all of this work. More than 90 percent of individuals who attempt suicide have a treatable underlying condition—meaning that, with the right support at the right time, lives can be saved.

We are also confronting another urgent and growing threat to our young people: fentanyl. Increasingly, illegal drug dealers are using online platforms to target kids, often disguising deadly substances as something harmless. That’s why I launched the “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign and worked to strengthen prevention and education efforts so that every family understands the risks.

There is nothing more important than protecting our kids. We can have the strongest economy and the best quality of life in the world, but none of that means anything if our kids are addicted, depressed, or considering ending their lives.

Solving this crisis will take all of us—parents, educators, Alaska Native leaders, health professionals, and policymakers—working together. By expanding access to care, strengthening prevention, and bringing greater accountability to the digital spaces our kids inhabit, we can begin to turn the tide on this crisis.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can better support Alaska’s families and protect the next generation. For more information on my work to combat this crisis, visit my website at www.sullivan.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
Dan Sullivan
United States Senator

Opinion: How I Will Restore Alaska’s Grand Jury, the People’s Independent Check on Government

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April 13, 2026

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Opinion: How I Will Restore Alaska’s Grand Jury, the People’s Independent Check on Government

By Shelley Hughes, 2026 Republican Candidate for Governor

In Alaska, the grand jury was never meant to be only a charging body for criminal cases.

It was designed to be something more: a citizen-led check on government itself. A body that could investigate agencies, raise concerns about public welfare and safety, and report findings to the people. The framers made clear the grand jury’s power to investigate and make recommendations must never be suspended.

At a time when decisions about the Territory were made far away, our framers and residents believed government should answer to the people— not the other way around. Alaskans still believe this. One of the strongest tools the framers gave us to ensure accountability was the grand jury.

But something has happened.

If Alaskans attempt to use the tool today to raise concerns about agencies and seek accountability, they encounter a process that is slow, complex, and difficult to navigate, a pathway that is unclear, hard to access, or that could even be blocked.

What happened?

An April 2, 2026 article in the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, titled “The Original Meaning and Understanding of the Investigative Power of the Grand Jury in the Constitution of Alaska,” confirmed what I had concluded through observation in recent years: changes in the system were interfering, diminishing, and even suspending the grand jury’s Constitutional power.

The Harvard Journal article’s conclusion was direct.

The authors found under our Constitution that the executive branch does not have authority to act as a gatekeeper by screening or filtering citizen petitions before they reach a grand jury. They also concluded courts do not have authority to withhold, seal, or suppress grand jury reports addressing matters of public concern. According to the article, both practices, one at the beginning of the process and one at the end, conflict with the Constitution because they interrupt the connection the framers intended between the people and the grand jury.

Alaska Supreme Court Order 1993, crafted with assistance from the Department of Law, added structure to how concerns reach a grand jury, but the result was a filtered process controlled by government with a built-in conflict of interest difficult to circumvent. SCO 1993 interferes with the people’s connection to the grand jury and its power to investigate at the beginning of the process.

Another key issue is transparency. This relates to the people’s connection as well but refers to the grand jury’s power to issue recommendations at the end of the process.

Yes, when issuing reports to the public, there’s a real need to protect individual rights and due process. But when a grand jury examines government conduct, the public has the right to know the outcome and what the grand jury’s recommendations are to solve a problem if there is one, and the grand jury has the right and the power to issue those recommendations. With appropriate safeguards like redacting names where necessary, it is possible to balance accountability and fairness and to protect individual rights.

We must make sure our systems are aligned with the Constitution and working as effectively as possible for the people they serve.

As governor, I will take that responsibility seriously.

First, I will ensure a transparent review of Supreme Court Order 1993. To comply with the Constitution, I will work to remove the executive branch, along with the related conflict of interest, from the grand jury process– if that change is not enacted as part of the effort currently underway in the Judiciary branch to address grand jury issues.

Second, I will bring together a broad group of Constitutional scholars, former grand jurors, legal experts, and citizens with firsthand experience to help guide reforms and collaborate with the Judiciary Branch with the goal that Article 1, Section 8 will function as our framers intended. From larger concepts of Constitutionality (such as releasing withheld reports) to smaller details (such as requiring enough alternate jurors so the grand jury consists of at least twelve members at all times), we will work without reserve to uphold the grand jury clause.

Third, I will use the governor’s platform to reaffirm the importance of an independent grand jury as a meaningful avenue for citizen oversight. I will speak directly to this in my inaugural address, underscoring that my administration will respect and defend the people’s role in holding government accountable.

This is ultimately about trust.

Alaskans need to know that when concerns arise, there is a clear and accessible path to be heard and that the system can respond in a fair and transparent way.

Success will look like this: an Alaska where citizens can raise legitimate concerns with confidence, and where the grand jury system functions as a true bridge between the people and their government.

This is not about politics. It is about the government answering to the people; it is about a government of, for, and by the people. It is about trust. It is about honoring our Constitution and strengthening the connection between Alaskans and the institutions that serve them.

The grand jury belongs to the people. It is time we ensure it works that way.

This op-ed was voluntarily submitted by the Alaskans for Hughes campaign and not solicited by Must Read Alaska. All candidates running for elected office are welcome and encouraged to submit articles for publication. Must Read Alaska unequivocally supports the election of a conservative candidate to the Office of Governor but does not endorse a particular candidate.

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