WHY: This is the most important election for the fishing industry. It determines who makes decisions on and provides access to your fisheries. The next Governor of Alaska’s policies and appointments of ADF&G Commissioner, the Board of Fisheries, and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council are extremely important to the viability of commercial fisheries in Alaska.
***IF YOU WILL BE ON THE WATER FISHING, YOU NEED TO VOTE EARLY***
WHEN: The Primary Election for Alaska Governor is Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for in-person voters. The top four candidates who receive the most votes for Governor in the Primary advance to the General Election held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Voter Registration Deadline: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Absentee By-Mail Request Deadline: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Absentee by Electronic Transmission Request Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026
Absentee By-Mail Ballots must be postmarked or received by Tuesday, August 18, 2026
You can apply to vote absentee by-mail, fax, or online:
Online absentee ballot application here, you can select “All in Calendar Year” to receive ballots for all eligible elections.
WHO: There are 18 candidates; the following have expressed interest in resource development and the economic success of Alaska’s commercial fisheries.
Republican Click Bishop and Greta Schuerch
Former State of Alaska Senator (Fairbanks) and Dept of Labor Commissioner
‘I’ll focus on what matters most: ensuring good jobs are growing and Alaskans have the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they live. This includes lowering energy costs, prioritizing our fisheries, providing quality education opportunities, and strengthening our economy.’
‘Committed to protecting Alaska’s fisheries and supporting the fishermen and communities that depend on them, while preserving our coastal and river heritage, food security, and a cornerstone of our economy through sustainable, science-based management.’
Republican Matt Heilala
‘I started commercial fishing at age nine in Cook Inlet. By fourteen, I was fishing Bristol Bay, one of the most productive and demanding wild salmon fisheries on earth. By eighteen, I was a skipper. Fisheries aren't a policy position for me. They're my heritage, my livelihood, and part of who I am as an Alaskan.’
‘Government and industry must work hand-in-hand to protect our fisheries, and our fishing families:
Protect Alaska’s commercial fishing families and coastal communities
Smart, science-based fisheries management
Address bycatch through smart policies that minimize waste
Stand up for Alaska’s interests against outside pressure
Ensure fair access for all Alaskans, from Bristol Bay to Cook Inlet’
Democrat Matt Claman
Current State of Alaska Senator (Anchorage)
When appointing members to the Board of Fisheries, he intends to have a ‘balance that reflects commercial fishing interests, sport fishing interests, and also subsistence interests.’
Science-based decision making is a priority. Understands a stable regulatory environment is needed for small businesses, including fishing.
In his past work as an attorney has represented commercial fishermen.
Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
Former State of Alaska Representative (Sitka)
Fisheries priorities include: reining in bottom trawl bycatch, preventing commercial permits from leaving Alaska, restoring crashed Chinook runs in Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Southcentral Alaska, and increasing co-management of subsistence resources.