By Shelley Hughes, 2026 Candidate for Alaska Governor and Former Alaska State Senator
Originally published February 17, 2026, by the Alaskans for Hughes campaign.
As the first round of campaign finance reports are released, I want to speak directly to Alaskans about what this campaign is—and what it is not.
From the beginning, my focus has been on Alaska: building a serious campaign team, meeting Alaskans in every region of our state, and developing real, workable policies to address the challenges we face. This campaign is about real solutions, not soundbites.
While some campaigns have focused on fundraising more than anything else in this first stretch and have chosen to measure success by dollars raised, I believe leadership is measured by trust earned, ideas developed, and time spent listening to the people we seek to serve. I’m very proud of my fundraising results, but I have invested my energy traveling the state, sitting down with families, workers, business owners, and community leaders, and putting forward detailed action plans for Alaska.
That work is reflected in the long-form policy videos we have already released, with more to come in the months ahead.
That work was also reflected at the recent Alaska Young Republicans State Convention, where I was ranked first among Republican candidates for governor in their straw poll. In other informal polls, I’ve also placed at or near the top, and in more rigorous polling, as one of the top three Republicans to make it onto the November ballot. This support confirms what I am hearing across Alaska: Republicans are ready for a governor who is prepared, grounded, and focused on results.
Our campaign is also being run the Alaska way—stretching every dollar and powered by an incredible team of volunteers who believe in this mission. History shows that in Alaska, the candidate who raises or spends the most money does not always win. Senator Dan Sullivan was outspent five-to-one in 2020 and prevailed. More recently, in the 2024 congressional race, early reports showed Mary Peltola raising more than $2 million compared to just over $300,000 for Nick Begich, and she ultimately outspent him by a massive margin—yet Alaskans chose leadership and vision over fundraising totals. Alaskans vote for substance, not spreadsheets.
I am running for governor because Alaska deserves serious leadership, real plans, and a governor with a proven track record of getting things done. Together, we will build a stronger Alaska, a place where opportunities abound and Alaskans can live affordable and rewarding lives.
I also bring real experience to this effort. Over the course of my legislative races, I have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of my work, and I understand what it takes to build a strong, competitive fundraising operation. As this campaign transitions into its next phase, we are well positioned to do exactly that. Despite the fact that my senate resignation was right before the holidays, we are off to an excellent fundraising start. Things will only ramp up from here!
I’ve made a deliberate choice to spend my early months focused in Alaska—not in D.C., not dialing for dollars outside the state. Our problems won’t be solved by outsiders or from a fundraiser thousands of miles away; they’ll be solved by leaders who show up, listen, and do the work.
That said, this campaign does need support to continue growing and to compete all the way through Election Day. I will be coming to communities across the state for fundraisers and events, and I invite you to attend, get involved, and contribute if you are able. If you’d like to know when I’ll be in your area, please contact the campaign and we will connect you with your regional chair.
This resonating message is why our campaign is building momentum—the future we are working toward is what Alaskans want. Fence-sitters won’t choose the next governor; those who are willing to take a stand will. I respectfully request that you take a stand with me and for a strong Alaska.
This op-ed was voluntarily submitted by the Alaskans for Hughes campaign and not solicited by Must Read Alaska. All gubernatorial candidates 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.
