Two potential Democratic candidates ranked in the top five contenders in a new poll of Alaska's 2026 gubernatorial race.

For the third time, the Alaska House in the Bering Strait region is a showdown between a seasoned lawmaker from the hub community of Nome who has represented the district for 15 years and a challenger from the smaller village of Shishmaref who nearly beat the incumbent in the past two elections.

This video about Alaska’s “Final Four” election system brings together Alaskan legislative leaders from across the aisle to discuss how this system works and early results indicating this reform can create a more representative democracy,

The event is normally a key part of statewide political campaigns but was squeezed out by other priorities, a top organizer said.

Several groups representing Alaska businesses are opposed to a ballot initiative that would increase the state's minimum wage and guarantee Alaska workers paid sick leave, though no money has so far been spent campaigning against the measure.

The race is a rematch after Democrat Mary Peltola beat Republicans Nick Begich and Sarah Palin in an August 2022 special election.

An open legislative seat in South Anchorage could determine control of the Alaska House in November, setting the stage for a high-stakes race between two first-time candidates.

The state of Alaska will hold public hearings Monday and Tuesday on ballot measures that seek to raise the state’s minimum wage and repeal its current elections system.

Both candidates are Republicans, but they differ in their ideas about bipartisan caucuses, state employee retirement benefits and other issues.

Three Inupiat candidates are giving pitches about representing both the North Slope and Northwest Arctic, distinct regions within a single legislative district.