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.
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.