Politics
Democrat Tom Begich withdraws from Alaska governor’s race, consolidating Democratic field
Begich endorsed Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, leaving a single Democrat on the November ballot under Alaska's ranked choice voting system.
The short version
- Democrat Tom Begich withdrew from Alaska's gubernatorial race and endorsed primary frontrunner Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins to consolidate party support.
- Kreiss-Tomkins will be the sole Democratic candidate on the November general election ballot, where voters use a ranked choice system.
- Decertification of fifth-place primary finisher Treg Taylor has left the identity of the fourth candidate for the general election uncertain.
Key facts
- Democrat Tom Begich suspended his campaign on the final day for candidates to withdraw, endorsing fellow Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.[Associated Press]
- Under Alaska's open primary system, the top four candidates advance to the general election regardless of political party.[Associated Press]
- Begich and running mate Julia Hnilicka cited the high cost of continuing their campaign as part of the rationale for bringing Democratic resources together behind one candidate.[Associated Press]
- The top-finishing Republicans in the August 18 primary were Bernadette Wilson and former Anchorage mayor Dave Bronson.[Associated Press]
- Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom decertified fifth-place primary finisher Treg Taylor following a campaign finance commission recommendation regarding financial disclosure noncompliance.[Associated Press]
- Incumbent Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy cannot seek a third consecutive term due to state term limits.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed who will take the fourth candidate slot in the general election following Begich's withdrawal and Taylor's decertification.[Associated Press]