AGP Executive Report

Wasilla Campaign Push: Donald Trump rallied for Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich, endorsed gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson and urged repeal of ranked-choice voting. Sullivan faces a competitive challenge from Mary Peltola as fuel costs weigh on voters. Alaska LNG: Trump touted Taiwan’s plan to buy up to 30% of the proposed pipeline’s output and invest up to $4.4 billion. Taiwan confirmed progress, but final investment and purchase terms remain under negotiation; the touted South Korean investment is also unsettled. Election Access: Early voting starts Oct. 19. Native voters could shape close races, but many face costly travel and other barriers to casting ballots, while campaigns often fail to reach them. Pardons: Trump granted pardons to two Alaska diesel mechanics convicted of Clean Air Act violations during the rally.

Wasilla Campaign: President Donald Trump rallied for Sen. Dan Sullivan, Rep. Nick Begich and gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson, urged voters to repeal ranked-choice voting and again promised $5,000 checks if Republicans keep Congress. The pledge would require congressional approval. Trump also pardoned two Anchorage mechanics convicted of emissions violations. Alaska LNG: Taiwan confirmed plans to buy 6 million tons of Alaska LNG annually and invest up to $4.4 billion, with deliveries possible from 2032. Trump touted the deal at the rally; South Korea’s proposed investment remains unconfirmed. Russia Diesel Deal: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined a bipartisan group urging Trump to reverse his move to ease Russian diesel sanctions, warning it would aid Moscow. Alaska’s average diesel price was $6.56 a gallon. Iran Warning: At the rally, Trump threatened further action against Iran as tensions and attacks on shipping raise concerns about energy supplies.

Senate Showdown: Donald Trump is heading to Alaska to campaign for Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, whose race against Democrat Mary Peltola is drawing national attention. Seafood policy and bycatch are emerging as key issues. State Politics: Relatives and friends of Luke Whaley accuse Sen. Cathy Tilton of beginning a sexual relationship with him when he was 14 and she was in her late 20s; the relationship allegedly lasted years. Tilton, now seeking a full Senate term, has not publicly responded in the reports provided. House Race: Independent Bill Hill, a Bristol Bay fisherman and former educator, is pitching affordability and working-class roots in his challenge to Republican Rep. Nick Begich. Childcare: Alaska gubernatorial candidates say they would ease rules for providers and encourage employer-sponsored care; some also back ongoing state funding. Washington-Alaska: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined Republicans and Democrats urging Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it could benefit Moscow and undermine US security.

Senate Race: Donald Trump heads to Wasilla today to rally for Dan Sullivan, whose race against Mary Peltola is unexpectedly tight. Road closures and delays are expected around the event. Russia Sanctions: Lisa Murkowski joined five senators from both parties in urging Trump to reverse his Russian diesel decision, arguing it conflicts with the law Congress passed after Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. House Race: Independent candidate Bill Hill says affordability, education funding and stricter fishing bycatch limits are priorities in his challenge to Rep. Nick Begich. Anchorage Airspace: The FAA is seeking public comment through Nov. 9 on proposed flight-path and airspace changes around Anchorage, with online workshops set for Oct. 27 and 28. Native Census Counts: Proposed changes to the 2030 Census could make it harder to count Native Americans who identify with multiple races or live off tribal lands, potentially affecting data used to plan services.

Russian Diesel Dispute: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined a bipartisan group calling President Trump’s Russian diesel waiver illegal, arguing it violates a 2022 import ban and bypassed required consultation with Congress. A House Republican plans to force a vote to block the purchases. Alaska Campaign Trail: Trump is due in Wasilla Tuesday to campaign for Republicans, including Sen. Dan Sullivan, as the midterms near. Independent Bristol Bay fisherman Bill Hill is challenging Rep. Nick Begich, making affordability a central campaign issue. Native Allotments: Sullivan introduced legislation to expand land available for Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans’ allotments. Governor’s Race: A Fairbanks Chamber forum was reworked after two Republican candidates opted out, as Alaska’s gubernatorial contest heats up.

Russia Diesel Dispute: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse his plan to import Russian diesel, arguing it could fund Moscow’s war and may violate federal law. Governor’s Race: A Fairbanks forum was reshaped after two Republican candidates opted out. Polling shows Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins ahead, but the first-round margin is inflated by a split Republican field under Alaska’s ranked-choice system. Alaska LNG: A proposed $54 billion South Korean investment remains under review. Vice President JD Vance says cooperation will continue with Seoul’s current or next government, though the project still faces economic hurdles. Fisheries: Alaska pollock bycatch is fueling a fight over trawling as salmon declines disrupt subsistence traditions in western Alaska Native communities. Coastal Safety: A new tsunami map covers 66 Alaska coastal communities and highlights gaps in evacuation planning and preparedness.

Governor’s Race: The Fairbanks Chamber reshaped its gubernatorial forum after Republicans David Bronson and Treg Taylor canceled to attend President Trump’s Wasilla rally; Bernadette Wilson had already declined. Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins will appear alone for a moderated conversation. Russia Diesel Deal: Sen. Dan Sullivan’s campaign criticized Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined five colleagues urging the administration to reverse course. Sen. Thom Tillis also questioned whether the move violates the law. Fisheries Fight: Alaska pollock trawling is drawing fresh scrutiny over salmon bycatch, with industry defenses clashing with concerns about the scale of unintended catch and its effects on Alaska communities. Arctic Policy: At an international Arctic gathering, Gov. Mike Dunleavy emphasized U.S. military investment and infrastructure, while Canadian and European officials stressed sovereignty, local interests and environmental protection.

Congressional Divide: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined Republicans opposing President Trump’s Russian diesel deal, arguing it gives Moscow revenue to sustain its war in Ukraine. Governor’s Race: Alaska Republicans are turning on one another: Dave Bronson criticized rival Bernadette Wilson and party leaders, sharpening an already tense GOP contest. Alaska LNG: Vice President JD Vance says cooperation with South Korea will continue, but the proposed investment remains uncertain as the costly project faces questions about buyers and construction. House Race: A small-town Alaska fisherman has Republicans on the defensive as they try to hold the U.S. House majority; debates in Western Alaska are also focused on trawling, the Donlin mine and living costs. Southeast Communities: Federal funding cuts are posing new challenges for communities across the region.

Governor’s Race: Dave Bronson broke the GOP field’s truce, calling Bernadette Wilson unfit for office and faulting party leaders for failing to vet candidates. The candidates also clashed over cooperation, and two backed lowering the minimum wage and rolling back paid sick leave. Alaska LNG: Korean steelmakers and shipbuilders see possible work on the proposed pipeline and LNG ships, but high costs and uncertain buyers cloud the project. Seoul says any role depends on commercial viability, despite President Trump’s $54 billion investment claim. Election 2026: A tight Western Alaska House race is putting trawling and the Donlin mine in focus, alongside cost-of-living concerns. Separately, a proposed ballot measure would clarify that only citizens may vote. Fishing Fight: Pollock trawling’s salmon bycatch has become a political flashpoint, with fishermen and Native communities pressing for answers as the Senate race unfolds. Federal Funding: Cuts pose new challenges for Southeast Alaska communities, while Juneau’s geothermal systems are drawing attention as a source of workforce training.

Governor’s Race: Alaska’s four candidates clashed in the latest debate over the budget, Permanent Fund dividends and cooperation. Republicans Dave Bronson and Bernadette Wilson also say they’d repeal the voter-approved minimum-wage increase and roll back mandatory sick leave. Alaska LNG: South Korea says it has made no investment commitment and would consider funding the pipeline only after a final investment decision and a finding that it is commercially viable—despite Trump touting a $50 billion stake. Oil and Permitting: The Trump administration is waiving environmental reviews for winter oil exploration in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Separately, the Army Corps is fast-tracking permits for the West Susitna access road, citing access to critical-mineral deposits. Western Alaska: A close House race is sharpening debate over the Donlin mine, trawling and the cost of living. Ballot Measure 3: Voters will decide whether to amend state law to explicitly limit voting to U.S. citizens.

Alaska Energy: The Trump administration is dropping case-by-case environmental reviews for most winter oil exploration on federal lands in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, saying past studies are sufficient to guide permitting. Governor’s Race: Alaska’s four gubernatorial candidates clashed in Thursday’s debate over political compromise, government dysfunction and how to deliver results. Senate Campaign: President Trump is set to campaign for Sen. Dan Sullivan in Wasilla on Oct. 13 as Sullivan faces a competitive reelection race; Vice President JD Vance has also promoted the Alaska LNG project, though South Korea says its reported $54 billion investment remains under review. Wrangell Investment: Sullivan says the federal government plans a $43 million grant for waterfront development, a potential shipyard site and replacement of the town’s leaking water flume.

Campaign Trail: Wasilla is preparing for President Donald Trump’s Oct. 13 rally for Sen. Dan Sullivan, the first speech by a sitting president in the city. Governor’s Race: Four candidates clashed in their first televised debate, focusing on energy costs, housing, childcare and the proposed gas line; in-person early voting begins Oct. 19. Alaska LNG: Vice President JD Vance says the project will proceed, but South Korea says its reported $54 billion investment remains under review and depends on commercial viability, leaving a major financing question unresolved. Ballot Measure 2: A new campaign finance report cited by opponents says the campaign to retain ranked-choice voting has received substantial out-of-state funding, despite its criticism of “dark money.” Local Government: Ketchikan’s borough assembly unanimously approved a code change allowing removal of appointed officials after controversy over a planning commissioner’s remarks about Ketchikan Indian Community. In Anchorage, an assembly member is proposing school board seats elected by district rather than entirely at-large.

Senate Race: A leading election forecast moved Alaska’s U.S. Senate contest from toss-up to Leans Democratic, as polls show Mary Peltola narrowly ahead of Dan Sullivan. President Donald Trump plans to rally for Sullivan in Wasilla on Oct. 13. Governor’s Race: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Bernadette Wilson and Dave Bronson say they would live in Juneau if elected; Republican Treg Taylor missed the candidates’ forum. Alaska LNG: Vice President JD Vance says the project will move forward with South Korea’s current or next government, but Seoul’s investment remains unsettled. Local Elections: Juneau voters backed a seasonal sales tax, while Fairbanks borough races remain close with more than 1,200 ballots left to count. Federal Investment: Wrangell is slated to receive a $43 million federal grant for waterfront, shipyard-site and water infrastructure projects. Spaceport: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman toured Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex, highlighting its role in expanding U.S. launch capacity.

Alaska LNG: Vice President JD Vance says the project will move ahead with South Korea’s current or next government—or other partners—but Seoul says its investment is not finalized and still requires a commercial viability review. Election Watch: Preliminary Juneau results show left-leaning candidates leading in the mail-in election, while voters backed tax increases. Gubernatorial candidate Treg Taylor also settled a campaign-finance complaint, agreeing to pay a fine and amend disclosures over more than $187,000 in spending. Anchorage Policy: The Assembly’s Public Safety Committee reviewed an ordinance that would ban kratom sales and recreational use, with misdemeanor penalties proposed. Governor’s Race: Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins says he would pursue an energy bond and housing construction, and supports attracting South Korean investment to the LNG project while seeking more clarity on the deal.

Local Elections: Unofficial Fairbanks borough results favor incumbents. Voters appear to support moving borough elections to November but reject a proposal for hand-counted ballots. Senate Race: Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Fairbanks for Dan Sullivan, touting energy development and criticizing Mary Peltola; protesters rallied during his visit. New forecasts show Alaska’s Senate race shifting toward Democrats. Alaska LNG: Vance cited South Korean “political dynamics” behind uncertainty over the project, while Seoul says any investment must be commercially viable and no decision has been made. Governor’s Race: Democratic candidate JKT raised $2.1 million—more than the three Republican candidates combined. The next governor could also reshape AIDEA, whose board is appointed by the governor. Energy Infrastructure: Alaska’s congressional delegation announced $150 million in federal funding for the Beluga-Healy transmission line, intended to improve grid reliability and support military expansion and resource development. Alaska Policy: A proposed federal waterways definition could remove protections from 94% of Alaska’s waterways; public comments are due Oct. 9.**

Local Elections: Initial results show Bethel’s municipal election and Yukon-Kuskokwim REAA school board races are largely settling, with low turnout (about 7% in Bethel) and remaining ballots/canvass steps ahead. Mat-Su Politics: Voters in Wasilla, Palmer, and Houston picked mayors and council seats amid rapid growth and a focus on who can manage expansion. Fairbanks Municipal Voting: Fairbanks residents cast ballots in borough and city races plus propositions, with turnout described as steady and early voting shaping in-person numbers. U.S. Senate & Campaign Trail: Vice President JD Vance stumped in Fairbanks for Dan Sullivan and Nick Begich while protesters rallied outside, arguing about First Amendment limits and Vance’s politics. Alaska LNG & Foreign Policy: Vance told Reuters Iran must make “meaningful” nuclear enrichment reductions to end the war, while Alaska LNG talks remain tied to commercial viability and unresolved details with South Korea. Energy Infrastructure: DNR opened public comment on a proposed Bradley Lake land sale tied to expanding hydroelectric capacity, with mineral-claim restrictions also on the table. Public Safety/Surveillance: Anchorage saw a political fight over private Flock traffic cameras after an ALPR setup at Lowe’s locations drew backlash and at least one camera was cut down. Veterans: 22 Alaska veterans are heading to Washington, D.C., for Last Frontier Honor Flight memorial visits.