President Donald Trump traveled to Alaska on Tuesday to shore up Republican Senator Dan Sullivan’s reelection bid, making a rare campaign stop as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress. Just hours before arriving in Anchorage, Trump threw his support behind Bernadette Wilson in the state’s crowded gubernatorial race. Trump called Wilson a “fantastic choice” to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Wilson finished as the top Republican in Alaska’s August primary, but three Republicans remain in the race for governor, potentially splitting the party’s support in the general election. She faces fellow Republicans Treg Taylor and Dave Bronson, along with Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. Trump acknowledged the challenges posed by the divided Republican field.
Think of it: You have three Republicans against one Democrat. That’s crazy,” he said, adding that the other two Republicans should have dropped out after Wilson’s primary showing. Wilson thanked Trump in a post on X, saying she was “incredibly honored” to have his support and looked forward to working with his administration.
Trump also attacked Alaska’s ranked choice voting system, calling it a “phony rigged deal." “So, Bernadette, good luck. It ain’t gonna be easy,” he said. A similar repeal measure narrowly failed in 2024.
Trump’s visit was aimed at helping Sullivan secure a third Senate term as Republicans face a tough fight to maintain their majority in November. Sullivan is facing Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman. Alaska has long favored Republicans in statewide elections.
Democrats have not won a Senate race in the state since 2008 or the governorship since 1998. But rising gas prices and persistent inflation could create an opening for Democrats in November. Peltola has highlighted the cost of living during her campaign, including posting about gas prices as she travels around the state.
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