By MIKE SHOWER
Alaska is at a pivotal point in our history. We have an opportunity to embrace prosperity and growth, but we need transformational leadership at the helm to pilot our state to success. It’s why I am so excited to join the Gubernatorial ticket alongside Bernadette Wilson, and why I resigned this week from my position in the State Senate to join her on the campaign trail.
My wife Michelle and I had already discussed before heading back to the legislative session in January if we wanted to run for the senate seat a third time. I felt it was time to move on to other pursuits, to still be involved in Alaska politically, just not as a legislator.
Part of our decision was knowing I would likely be pushed into a minority again by a small number of Republicans who consistently join with and give majority power to Democrats. This has been the case for years even though the people of Alaska continue to send a majority of Republicans to Juneau. It is not fair to the people I represent if my influence, and therefore theirs, is continually marginalized.
When we asked ourselves if there was an elected office we would be interested in, the only one I felt would be the right fit was Lieutenant Governor. After all, I am known as the “Elections Guy” in the Alaska Senate, where I focused on needed reforms to clean up our system and restore electoral integrity. And in Alaska, elections are under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor, a job I would enthusiastically embrace and bring my experience to bear.
With that decided, we weren’t going to actively pursue the office. If the good Lord wanted us to be involved, the door would open. Otherwise, we’d finish the senate term and move on.
In steps Bernadette.
Her pitch was clear, concise and aligned with my core values for Alaska. I had questions, she had well thought out answers. Things I believe are essential to the future of our state and people, she didn’t waver. What would be expected of me in the job? It aligned with my expectations and how I would want to operate – like elections. Her answer was – fix what needs to be fixed and restore trust in the system. I can do that.
We discussed ideological positions, policies and goals. I am encouraged by her bold stance, move-at-full-throttle attitude, and perhaps most importantly, her sense of the opportunity we have with the Trump Administration in Washington, DC. We discussed much more, but that’s for another day.
Bernadette understands we have a limited window, with an incredibly pro-Alaska president, to set us on a course of unparalleled economic development, self-reliance and self-determination. That, my friends, is a winning combination.
Between us we bring extensive private sector business, military, government and political experience to the table. I believe our combined team brings an energy, vision and boldness that simply won’t be matched by any other ticket in this race.
It was an honor to serve our nation in uniform for over two decades, and our state for more than 8 years in the senate. We are grateful to Bernadette for the opportunity to join the team and would consider it a great privilege to serve as your next Lieutenant Governor.
Mike Shower was the senator for District O, Wasilla, until resigning last month.
4 thoughts on “Why I stepped down: Alaska needs a lieutenant governor who will fight for election integrity”
When there was the first announcement while knowing the instability an open Senator seat without much of a good replacement choice brings fear and uncertainty. However if people of Alaska can remember using their head . They’ll remember that election integrity has been his talking points very close to his mind and heart since 2020 but he hasn’t been able to make any stride with a legislature body who are perfectly happy with Alaska’s current election System that benefits those in corrupt bastards club of Alaska politics;
Then you would had recognized Shower as Lt Governor in position that leads over the division of election would make more sense than staying in a body that is hostile to election integrity going nowhere making no forward movements
To be honest I see there is more than just Republicans flooding the gubernatorial race. They all could had cared less to run if Ms Bernedette hadn’t announced and now that a proven leader for election integrity is her Lt Govenor, its like we are watching in real time Alaska’s own GOP deep state leaders would be willing to lose the Govenor’s race and legislature races just to keep Bernedette away from that office;However the AKGOP will become officially permanently impotent just as Oregon and Washington Republican groups are if they lose in 2026
Because AGOP like Esau despised his birthright sold it fir a bowl of stew, like they despise Bernadette who is most likely the most obvious choice to better unite the party and supporters but the party not being United will undoubtedly render the AkGOP powerless for decades losing what little power they do have today
The GOP party is repeating history again when Palin jumped in the race AFTER US Congressman Nicholas Begich was already running and the party was split between the two
Its as if Scott Kendall is in the ears of top Republican staff, committee and district leaders to thwart their chances or throw away the Governor race knowing that 2027-2031 are years the AK GOP can’t afford to lose, its a critical year and turning point year for AkDemocrats that they can’t afford to lose their opportunity to officially doninate Alaska officially makng Alaska Blue
I was on the fence with all the conservatives in the race, until Dozer was selected from the outset by Bernadette. Decisive, no Guv Lite candidates modeling on a catwalk for months on end. Good decision. I immediately thought of voter roles and RCV. Besides the keeper/protector of the State Seal, the Guv Lite’s main job is elections. So, I this a great decision by Bernadette. Yeah, a lot of turmoil by all the resignations, but it’ll balance out, unless the Senate Republican majority gets their meat hooks into the approval process. It’ll be another Laddie Shaw shit show like when he was in line for an open Senate seat……
I’ve always liked Bernadette’s spark. Then when she added Mike to her ticket that cinched it for me. I’m a 24 year USAF vet and knew many officers like Showers and their integrity is completely beyond reproach. Now we just have to hope we don’t sink our own ship with everybody and their uncle wanting to run. That part I just don’t get…