Glennallen, Alaska — Community members gathered at Glennallen High School on May 2 for a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum hosted by the Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce, offering Copper Basin residents a chance to hear directly from those seeking to lead the state.
The forum brought together a range of candidates, each sharing their background, priorities, and vision for Alaska’s future. While perspectives varied, the discussion centered around issues that many in rural communities know all too well: the rising cost of living, access to affordable energy, infrastructure needs, and protecting subsistence ways of life.
Students from the Glennallen High School government class played an active role in the event, helping organize the luncheon, assisting with setup and cleanup, and participating in the forum by creating and asking questions directly to the candidates during the discussion.
Candidates returned to a common theme — the high cost of living in Alaska. Many pointed to energy as a major driver, emphasizing the need for more affordable and reliable options. Ideas ranged from expanding traditional resource development to investing in alternative energy and improving efficiency in homes and public buildings.
Transportation and infrastructure were also front of mind, particularly the Glenn Highway corridor, which plays a critical role in connecting communities like those in the Copper Basin. Candidates discussed maintenance, upgrades, and long-term planning as essential to keeping goods moving and communities accessible.
Subsistence hunting and fishing — a cornerstone of life for many Alaskans — was another key topic. Candidates spoke about balancing access with conservation, with some emphasizing science-based management and others calling for increased local and state control.
While there was agreement on many of the challenges, candidates offered different approaches to solving them.
Some emphasized reducing regulations and government complexity to support small businesses and lower costs, while others highlighted the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and community-based solutions. Several candidates spoke about the need for a balanced state budget without introducing new taxes, while others discussed potential revenue options and ways to reduce inefficiencies in government operations.
The future of the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) also remained a central issue, with candidates expressing varying views on how to balance dividends with funding for essential state services.
For those interested in learning more, each candidate has a campaign website where voters can explore their full platforms, backgrounds, and policy positions in greater detail. Taking the time to review these resources can help provide a clearer picture of where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to you and your community.
As Alaska moves closer to election season, forums like this serve as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and engaged. According to the Alaska Division of Elections, Gakona was the only Copper Basin district with voter turnout greater than 35% in the 2024 General Election, with 37.16%.
Voting is one of the most direct ways community members can make their voices heard. The individuals elected into office will help shape decisions that affect daily life — from the cost of energy and food, to access to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and subsistence resources.
Tom Begich emphasized his background in public service, education, and community development. According to his campaign biography, he has worked extensively on youth development, public health, and long-term economic planning.
At the forum, he highlighted energy efficiency, education investment, and reducing costs through infrastructure improvements. He also discussed potential revenue options and government efficiency measures. https://www.tombegichforalaska.com/
Click Bishop, a longtime legislator, focused on energy affordability and economic growth. His campaign materials highlight his experience in both the private sector and public office, as well as his emphasis on resource development.
During the forum, Bishop stressed the importance of reducing energy costs and expanding opportunities for businesses, particularly in rural Alaska. https://www.clickbishopforgovernor.com
Edna DeVries, with experience in local government leadership, highlighted fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community-based decision-making. Her biography outlines her work as a mayor and council member in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
She emphasized reducing government mandates, supporting local economies, and maintaining a strong Permanent Fund Dividend. https://www.ednadevries.com/
Shelley Hughes, a state legislator with decades of experience, focused on regulatory reform and government efficiency. Her background includes work in both private and public sectors, including leadership roles in the Alaska Legislature.
At the forum, Hughes discussed reducing regulatory complexity and proposed ideas such as a “Sunset Audit Commission” to review state agencies. https://alaskansforhughes.com/
Former Attorney General Treg Taylor emphasized legal and constitutional perspectives, as well as resource development. His biography highlights experience in both military and legal leadership roles.
He spoke about reducing regulatory barriers, supporting energy development, and strengthening Alaska’s economy through resource management. https://tregforak.com/
Matt Heilala, a physician and business owner, emphasized private-sector experience and economic development. His campaign biography highlights work in healthcare and entrepreneurship.
During the forum, he focused on lowering costs through energy production, transportation improvements, and reducing government barriers to business. https://matt4governor.com/
JP Parkin, an educator and former public official, highlighted his background in education and governance. His biography emphasizes academic experience and leadership roles in public service.
At the forum, he focused on fiscal responsibility, reducing wasteful spending, and increasing local control in resource management. https://www.jp4gov.org/
Bernadette Wilson, a business owner and media professional, emphasized economic development and reducing regulatory barriers. Her biography highlights experience in business ownership and advocacy.
She spoke about limiting government overreach, strengthening Alaska’s economy, and increasing opportunities for families and businesses. https://bernadetteforgovernor.com/
Meda DeWitt, an educator and advocate for cultural and community-based approaches, emphasized Indigenous leadership, sustainability, and community-driven decision-making. Her biography highlights work in nonprofit, academic, and policy spaces.
At the forum, she focused on environmental stewardship, health, education, and ensuring decisions are made at the local level with community input. She also emphasized food sovereignty, subsistence rights, and the importance of ensuring culture is honored and remains present in government decision-making. https://medaforalaska.com/
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