The Ultimate 2026 Conservative Voter Guide Part I

By
Natalie Spaulding
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Whether you are a registered Republican, Independent, or Democrat, this is the ultimate guide for voters who prioritize conservative policies such as affordable energy, private property ownership, free enterprise, natural resource development, limited government, balanced budgets, and public safety.

For Alaska’s primary election, we published a practical guide and a research aid asking conservative Alaskans to research and consider the gubernatorial candidates for themselves and go vote. The primary revealed four top vote-getters: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D), Tom Begich (D), Bernadette Wilson (R), and Dave Bronson (R). In a surprise move, Tom Begich withdrew, leaving Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins the only Democratic candidate on the ballot. Treg Taylor (R) took the remaining spot on the ballot. Conservatives face an election with three Republicans versus one Democrat and a confusing ranked-choice voting system. Conservative unity and clarity are needed now more than ever.

This guide gives the official Must Read Alaska endorsements and the reasons behind our recommendations for Ballot Measure 2, the Governor’s race, the U.S. Senate race, and the U.S. House race in Alaska’s 2026 general election. Part II will address state legislative races, which are also important!

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Alaskans for Fair Courts is all about political control of courts, and that’s why they are suing the governor

Additionally, this guide provides opinions from other influential conservatives on the winning strategy to elect a conservative governor.

At the end of the day, the most important thing voters can do is show up. Vote! Exercise your right and privilege to participate in a democratic republic built on the power of the people rather than the rule of one.

The Nuts and Bolts

  • October 4: Voter registration deadline
  • October 8: Alaska Public Media / KTUU governor’s debate
  • October 9: Absentee ballots are sent out
  • October 19: Early in-person voting starts
  • November 3: Election Day

Must Read Alaska’s Advice

Ballot Measure 2: Vote YES

This is Alaskans’ chance to repeal 19AKBE, ending the mess of ranked-choice voting, jungle primaries, and the burdensome campaign finance laws instituted in 2020. Vote yes on Ballot Measure 2.

There is ample evidence that ranked-choice voting is a convoluted, harmful system, and that Alaskans benefit most from the common-sense election system used for 244 years of American history: one round, and whoever gets the most votes wins.

Furthermore, the proponents of ranked-choice voting themselves want to avoid the system. Tom Begich’s withdrawal to consolidate Democratic votes for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins reveals this irony. The jungle primary left Republicans with three candidates advancing to the general election ballot. Alaska should return to the tried-and-true, one-on-one system.

If you are unfamiliar with 19AKBE from 2020, or undecided about its fate, read the statements in support and opposition given at the first public hearing on Ballot Measure 2. Coverage also includes the full recording of the hearing:

For Informed Voters: RCV, Jungle Primaries, Campaign Finance Law — The Statements of Support and Opposition for Ballot Measure 2

We also encourage voters to read this analysis of the “No on 2” claims given at the second public hearing:

Analysis: “Saying So Doesn’t Make It So” — How Do “No on 2” Claims at the Aug. 5 Hearing Hold Up to Reality?

Vote YES on Ballot Measure 2.

Governor’s race: Rank ALL the conservatives

Ranked-choice voting has made the governor’s race more complicated than it should be, with three Republicans versus one Democrat. Conservatives are highly divided about which Republican candidate should win: Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, or Treg Taylor. But here is what all conservatives agree on: we do not want a Democratic governor.

Must Read Alaska is not endorsing a particular gubernatorial candidate, but we do urge conservative Alaskans to rank all conservatives on the ballot.

The top Republican vote-getter in the primary, Bernadette Wilson, received 10 percent of the primary votes. More than half (52.1 percent) of primary voters chose candidates who will not be on the general election ballot— 31.3 percent of primary voters picked a registered Republican or independent who did not advance, and 20.8 percent chose Tom Begich who withdrew. These voters will now need to reconsider their options.

Why include Wilson/Shower in your ranking? Bernadette Wilson brings a mix of political and entrepreneural experience. She served as a senior advisor for Nick Begich’s successful campaign for Congress and was one of the three main sponsors of the current effort to repeal ranked-choice voting. Mike Shower brings military and legislative experience to this ticket. He is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and former Alaska state senator. Wilson/Shower will prioritize resource development, free enterprise, and fair elections— JKT will not.

Why include Bronson/Church in your ranking? Dave Bronson brings proven experience as an elected chief executive, having served as Anchorage’s mayor. He also co-founded the Alaska Family Council. Josh Church brings military, small-business, and professional financial-management experience to the ticket. He served nine years with the U.S. Marine Corps in Marine Reconnaissance and Marine Special Operations and works as an investment adviser representative at Arbor Capital Management, helping Alaskans achieve long-term financial stability. Bronson/Church will prioritize resource development, free enterprise, and responsible budgeting— JKT will not.

Why include Taylor/English in your ranking? Treg Taylor brings a tough-on-crime record and experience working across the aisle. He served as Alaska’s attorney general, fighting for Alaska against Washington overreach. Candi English brings business leadership, problem-solving skills, and expertise in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. She worked two decades on the North Slope for ARCO and owns Northern Solutions, an Alaska company that manufactures resource-development tools for customers worldwide. Taylor/English will prioritize resource development, free enterprise, and public safety— JKT will not.

Each of the three Republican tickets brings different strengths and weaknesses, each one has their flaws, but each will advocate for conservative policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, resource development, and rule of law. Each will seek to reduce government spending and cut bureaucracy. That is what matters.

We must use the system we have if we want to win. And we want to win because JKT’s agenda would implement an income tax, diminish the Permanent Fund, decrease flexibility for schools, invite more union meddling in Juneau, and prioritize climate change over responsible development of Alaska’s natural resources.

(And remember: vote yes on Ballot Measure 2 so we do not have to deal with this mess again.)

Rank all three Republicans in your preferred order.

U.S. Senate: Dan S. Sullivan (incumbent)

Alaskans have trusted Dan S. Sullivan to represent them in the U.S. Senate since 2015, and for good reason. His record shows he is willing to work hard for Alaska’s economy, resource development, and critical role in national security. He has fought the Biden-era lockup of Alaska’s resources and advocated for Native land rights.

The One Big Beautiful Bill that he helped pass is among the most consequential bills for Alaska in decades: tax relief so working families keep more of what they earn, energy development Democrats tried to block, and the largest Coast Guard investment in history. As chairman of the Coast Guard subcommittee, Sen. Sullivan fought for a nearly $25 billion investment in the U.S. Coast Guard, including the construction of new icebreakers, with at least four icebreakers to be homeported in Alaska.

Democrats are pouring millions of dollars into smear ads against Sen. Sullivan. Must Read Alaska did a thorough fact-check of a flyer mailed by the Alaska Democratic Party accusing Sen. Sullivan of “corruption” and “insider trading.” Check it out: Fact-Check on Alaska Democratic Party’s Mailed Flyer, “Dan Sullivan: Corruption So Extreme, He Even Broke the Law.”

Be careful not to vote for Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. of Petersburg, who filed as a Republican after years of Democratic donations, copied Sen. Sullivan’s campaign branding, and worked with a Democratic consultant. Elections officials first said the filing was not in good faith, but the Alaska Supreme Court put him back on the ballot. He took about 2.4 percent in August and will be on the November ballot. Read more about the Petersburg Dan scheme: Grand jury issues subpoenas in federal probe of alleged voter-confusion conspiracy by Petersburg’s Dan Sullivan.

A vote for Dan S. Sullivan (incumbent) is a vote for private property rights, affordability, reduced energy costs, natural resource development, secure borders, and American family values. Rank ONLY Dan S. Sullivan (incumbent).

More from Must Read Alaska on Sen. Sullivan’s record:

U.S. House: Nick Begich

Congressman Nick Begich has served one term as Alaska’s at-large representative and built an impressive and productive freshman record. He has authored more bills that passed the House than any other freshman in Congress, and several of his measures have been signed into law. His work has centered on Alaska’s economy, energy production, and resource development — unlocking land, jobs, and revenue while defending Native communities and traditional livelihoods.

Early in his term, Begich passed measures restoring village corporation lands and protecting settlement-trust payments for elderly, blind, and disabled Alaska Natives. He later advanced Cape Fox land entitlements, Southeast “landless” community recognition, and other ANCSA-related bills that clear title and open local development.

On energy and minerals, Begich led House action to overturn the Biden-era Central Yukon Resource Management Plan, reviving a lawful path for the Ambler mining road and broader Interior development. He also introduced the House companion to the DATA Act, allowing data centers and manufacturers to build isolated, off-grid “grid-of-one” power systems so new industrial load does not raise household utility bills.

A vote for Nick Begich is a vote for private property rights, affordability, reduced energy costs, natural resource development, secure borders, and American family values. Rank ONLY Nick Begich.

More from Must Read Alaska on Congressman Begich’s record:

Conservative Unity and Clarity

Getting policies across the line requires getting people on the same page. As inefficient and frustrating as that can be, the process of debate leading to consensus is fundamental to the functioning of a free society. There is a season for everything. The season of debate has passed, now is the time for conservative unity and clarity.

The 2026 Republican Candidates for Governor

Dave Bronson: “If you only rank one Republican, your ballot can be exhausted, thrown away entirely. JKT wins and Republican votes die.”

Treg Taylor: “If conservatives rank all three Republicans, we will have a Republican governor.”

Bernadette Wilson: “If there continue to be three active Republicans in this race, ranking is clearly the right choice, and we also strongly encourage conservatives to do so.”

Dr. George B. Hightower, former 2026 candidate for Lt. Governor

“Rank the primary leader #1, Bernadette Wilson. Do not just rank Bernadette #1 alone. Rank #2 and #3 candidates. Otherwise, you create exhausted ballots, which only support JKT.”

Opinion: The governor’s race is a fight for freedom; here’s how to win

Jon Faulkner, President of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc and former Commissioner of Commerce

“My advice to fellow Republicans: If you cannot be convinced to vote for Taylor/English as your first choice, consider them as your best second choice.”

Opinion: An Obi-Wan Kenobi moment for the Taylor/English campaign

Shelley Hughes, former 2026 candidate for Governor and former Senate Majority Leader

“First, I find it totally hypocritical that the left wants to retain ranked-choice voting, but doesn’t trust it, so insisted one of their primary election winners drop out. Secondly, we need voters on the right to show up and rank to prevent a socialist from winning. To show up and rank to prevent an income tax, the suppression of resource development, and increased wokeism in our schools. Thirdly, anyone who is advising bullet voting and not ranking is making it easier for the far left liberal to win because it lowers the number of votes the far-left candidate needs to reach a majority to win. It is all about math, you guys, not your political philosophy, not your position on ranked-choice voting. It is math.”

Hughes endorses Treg Taylor for Governor (plus rank the other two Republicans)

Blake Gettys, former 2026 candidate for Lt. Governor

“Shelley and I are together on this. We’ll both rank the right, but the Taylor/English ticket will be our top choice. Trust is paramount. Treg will be a governor I can trust to fight for us and to be effective through strong relationships and common-sense, actionable policy.”

Marcus Moore, conservative analysist

“Keep that in your head when you rank this ballot. Ranked choice is not a personality contest. It is a machine that takes your first, second, third, and fourth and turns them into one winner. If you care about energy, rank the ticket that has already sat in the rooms that move work. Here is how I would mark it for energy and mining only. Taylor first. Bronson second. Wilson third. JKT last.”

Opinion: Rank them for the lights, not the jersey

Robert Wall, AKGOP District 8 Chair and Vice President of Homer Electric Association

“Currently, ranked-choice voting is the law. Conservatives must be aware, and smart, about each race on the ballot. The governor race can be won by right-leaning voters if we all rank the three conservatives. Ballot exhaustion is the enemy. Dave Bronson, Treg Taylor, and Bernadette Wilson each bring different backgrounds and qualifications to the race. For voters examining executive experience in particular, Bronson’s record provides a significant point of comparison and places him at the top of the three candidates. I support Dave because he has a true public-servant heart and can take in information quickly and make solid decisions based on facts.”

Opinion: Executive experience and the ranked-choice reality in Alaska’s governor race

Todd Lindley, Vice President of Alaska Gold Communication, Inc.

“Exhausted ballots are disenfranchised voters. A bullet vote in a mixed field of conservative candidates will leave many voters out of the final tally because of the ballot exhaustion forced by the RCV system. Not only do exhausted conservative ballots silence conservative voters, but they actually bolster the Democrat candidate by lowering the total number of votes and removing conservatives votes from the final tally. Do not bullet vote if you want a conservative governor.”

Opinion: We can win with the right mindset— policy over person

Phil Izon, author and leader of the 2024 repeal RCV effort

“The mathematics of RCV, the risk of administrative error, the documented exhaustion rates, the record of voter confusion, and the nationwide pattern of discarded ballots and operational failures do not change. Only the names on the ballot do…. Please don’t exhaust your ballot. Don’t throw away your vote. Rank all the conservative candidates.”

Opinion: Fantasy Land vs. Real Winning

Greg Sarber, conservative writer and former board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc.

“The only way to play the game is for conservative voters to rank every conservative candidate in the race. It doesn’t matter if they have a favorite. The primary is over, so it doesn’t matter now. Failing to rank all of the Republicans on your ballots will mean that a Democrat will win. I heard it put best by Representative Sarah Vance in a meeting last night: “Rank all three or get JKT.””

Opinion: Conservative Alaskans need to vote strategically for Governor

Jim Minnery, President of Alaska Family Council

“At the same time, our calculus— and this was not easy— is that we have a greater chance to prevent a Democrat socialist from becoming our next Governor if we tell Alaskans to ‘rank the red.’ Vote for Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, or Treg Taylor first but make certain to rank the other two. If you do not, we are almost certain to lose.”

Opinion: Alaska Family Council speaks on governor’s race, invites Christians to prayer gathering

Rep. Kevin McCabe (R-Big Lake)

“Ranking all candidates is an insurance policy against your worst candidate. Your worst nightmare. You don’t have to agree with the system to use it. Use their own weapon against them.”

Opinion: Use their own weapon to beat them

Michael Chambers, Founder of United for Liberty and the American Party of Alaska

“Anyone who is encouraging only voting for one conservative is, in effect, voting for JKT by lowering his victory threshold. It is that simple.”

Opinion: Dangerous curves ahead

David Boyle, Founder of Alaska Policy Forum

“Make your vote count. This ranked-choice voting scheme is confusing, but it is actually three elections, not one. If you only vote for one candidate in the first-round election and that person doesn’t make it to the second-round election, your vote no longer counts. You have wasted your vote. If you vote for all three conservative candidates, then your vote counts in all three election rounds. You get to vote in all three election rounds. So, make your vote count by voting for Dave Bronson, Treg Taylor, and Bernadette Wilson in any order you wish. If you don’t vote for all three, you are actually voting for JKT!”

Jack Thompson, former TPUSA-UAA President and Juneau’s youngest staffer

“Whatever one thinks of ranked-choice voting— and many of us will vote to repeal it this November— conservatives cannot win by pretending it isn’t the system we’re governed by today. A ballot with one Democrat and three Republicans tests whether we understand the rules well enough to win under them. Every Republican you leave unranked is a vote quietly handed to the other side. Ranking all three isn’t a concession of principle; it’s the discipline of a movement that intends to govern. Conservatives rarely lose Alaska; we forfeit it.”

  • Director of Operations and Communications

    Natalie Spaulding oversees day-to-day operations and communications at Must Read Alaska and writes on the full range of MRAK topics. A 2025 Hillsdale College graduate, she previously did editorial work at the Family Research Council on the book "Life After Roe" by David Closson and research for the Charlotte Lozier Institute. She lives in Anchorage, AK.

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