In a move widely interpreted as the clearest signal yet of his intent to run for governor, Adam Crum has submitted his resignation as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue, effective Aug. 8. Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced the change Friday and praised Crum for his leadership and service across two major state agencies.
Crum, who previously led the Department of Health and Social Services before taking the helm at Revenue, has been a visible figure in the Dunleavy administration and is considered a likely contender to succeed the term-limited governor in 2026. He is a well-known businessman from the Mat-Su Valley.
“Commissioner Crum has been an exemplary leader whose unwavering dedication and innovative approach have significantly benefited Alaskans,” Dunleavy said in a written statement. “His collaborative spirit and commitment to serving our communities have made a lasting, positive impact.”
As health commissioner, Crum steered Alaska through the turbulent Covid-19 pandemic, coordinating support for industries like tourism and fishing while managing public health responses. When the Department of Health and Social Services was split into two agencies in 2022, Crum transitioned to lead the Department of Revenue, where he focused on stabilizing state finances and modernizing revenue systems.
His resignation comes as political chatter in Republican circles intensifies about the 2026 election cycle. Crum has not publicly confirmed his candidacy, but stepping down from his executive post is widely viewed as a necessary and proper step for a statewide campaign.
In a prepared statement, Crum thanked the governor and his colleagues, saying, “It has been an honor serving Alaskans… I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Alaska’s prosperity and am excited to see the state’s continued success.”
The governor’s office said an acting commissioner will be appointed in the coming days.
Attorney General Treg Taylor is also believed to be running for governor but has not announced his resignation. However, he has increased his public speaking engagements to a level where it appears he is campaigning. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom has also announced she is running.
The last year of the Dunleavy Administration is being set up with key members of his cabinet leaving or being distracted during a critical time, when Dunleavy is working to launch the Alaska LNG project.
On Thursday, Sen. Shelley Hughes filed for office. Others who have filed are former Sen. Click Bishop, Mat-Su Mayor Edna DeVries, Dr. Matt Heilala, Angoon resident James Parkin, and political activist Bernadette Wilson. All are Republicans.
I will not be voting for him. Big question is when he loses the Jungle Primary will he drop out? If past performance is any indication I’m not betting on it.
Lots of Republicans. I hope they can all agree on a final candidate as this deep of field would play out wonderfully for the Democrats under RCV.
Bernadette & Adam might make a good pairing for Guv – Lt Guv … ???
Thank you for publishing his resignation intention. Hope the FBI and the DOJ pick up on it and investigate his past work and especially the Permanent Dividend fund activities.
Good riddance to the worst of Dunleavy’s bad decisions.
Bongino, Patel, and Bondi will get right on it. As soon as they are finished investigating Joe Biden,
Obama and Hillary Clinton first. Priorities.
Just finding out about this stuff relating to the D.O.R. Well, I hope that everyone attends, and I hope SB 183 passes. 🙏
Is anyone running for Lt. Governor? Or will some of these that are running pair up?
Under Crum’s leadership of the Department of Health and Social Services the SNAP error rate climbed from 6.4% to 57%. This cost Alaskan’s millions of dollars. If Kevin McCabe’s numbers are accurate. During his time as revenue commissioner between 2020 and 2024, settlement revenues dropped off a cliff, from $281 million to just $3.1 million. That is probably something the FBI should be looking at. This guy needs to list his accomplishments not seeing any type of leadership here.
He’s got a snowball’s chance in #### of winning the office of Governor. However, with ranked-choice voting (RCV) system, stranger things have happened.
Crowded field where Edna obviously has the pole position.
Crum is an absolute joke. Good riddance. If he runs for Gov. I will do all I can to ensure he loses.
Crum will not be getting my vote due to his ineffective leadership of the DH&SS during the Covid scam. My experience c/ him is that he was not willing to address those that had different, but legitimate opinions — essentially disregarding those he bragged about working for. Good riddance.
Hmm! Multiple Republican candidates for governor in a “ranked voting” state! What could possibly go wrong? Where are all these candidates heads? Use your brains, money and influence to get behind one strong candidate, for Pete’s sake!
SNAP benefits were 90 days or more delayed while he was enjoying his cushy government job. Can’t even disperse federal money in timely matter.
Yeah, no thanks
Talk of a bright future is good, talk of uniting all Alaskans is good. I agree with that. But we need a leader who isn’t afraid to make difficult decisions for the good of the state—even if it costs his or her approval ratings.
Too many but each must be willing to back off, quit for the party sake. We cannot give our state to the dems or libs. It’ll be the death of freedom in AK. One choice!
Really, this guy is just a clown clone of Dunleavy and look what that has got us.
Wait, what! Crum “steered Alaska through the turbulent Covid-19 pandemic” — he did a terrible job! He kept Anne Zink as the “hero” who thought jabs were great and we should all lock down forever. He paid so much public money for media blitz to tell people to get get the jab, including firefighters as spokespeople to get the jab plus told churches they should only do drive-through services. And he also had a health summit for LGBTQ+ people.
To the Editor (or Public Officials),
Adam Crum’s tenure on the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) Board—while serving as Revenue Commissioner—raises serious ethical concerns that should disqualify him from consideration as a candidate for governor.
1. Conflict-of-Interest and Misuse of Public Position
Recent reporting reveals Crum was instrumental in facilitating a connection between APFC Chief Investment Officer Marcus Frampton and a private investment fund, the Frontier Economic Fund, launched in partnership with Prospr Aligned—an entity whose executives have lobbied the state. Despite denying formal involvement, Crum publicly endorsed the fund using his official state title, which prompts serious questions about the appearance of impropriety.
Must Read Alaska
+6
Reporting From Alaska
+6
The Alaska Landmine
+6
Alaska Beacon
+5
Mike Dunleavy
+5
Mike Dunleavy
+5
2. Culture of Cover-Up Over Accountability
In the fallout from leaked emails about trustee behavior—particularly around conflicts involving trustee Ellie Rubenstein—Crum voted with fellow trustees to enter a secret executive session, while publicly downplaying concerns about conduct in favor of finding the leaker. He aligned with colleagues shielding internal scrutiny rather than addressing governance concerns directly.
Alaska Beacon
+2
The Alaska Landmine
+2
Must Read Alaska
+2
3. Leadership Shift Amid Governance Turmoil
Just weeks after the leak controversy, the APFC board ousted its chair and vice chair (including Rubenstein, who triggered the scandal) in a contentious vote. Crum then became vice chair—not through a routine transition, but amid a governance crisis. That move suggests he was part of a bloc resistant to reform and internal transparency.
Reporting From Alaska
+4
wrangellsentinel.com
+4
Must Read Alaska
+4
🔍 Why This Matters for a Gubernatorial Bid
Issue Implication for Crum as Governor
Appearance of conflict-of-interest Undermines confidence in impartial leadership
Opposition to accountability Suggests reluctance to embrace transparent governance
Role during board upheaval Questions about judgment and alliances in governance crises
Alaskans deserve leaders who uphold fiduciary duty, prioritize ethical norms, and foster accountability in our most critical institutions. Crum’s actions—as trustee and commissioner—suggest a pattern of prioritizing political alignment and internal control over public trust and transparency.
While some may view Crum’s record as capable leadership, when weighed against the values essential for gubernatorial office—integrity, independence, and financial stewardship—I believe his APFC tenure disqualifies him. Alaska needs a leader who strengthens, rather than resists, checks and balances.
No thanks, we all remember his Covid policies and how he allowed the feds to dictate policy in AK through Dr. Zink Inc.
It took years for Adam Crum to comply with the bonding statute, and the only reason he did was because AG Taylor researched the law. Chief Deputy Assistant AG Helzer wrote Mr. Ed Martin a letter documenting that Mr. Crum had to be bonded.
There is no wiggle room for any public official to violate a statute.
Article III Section 16. The governor shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws…