By the numbers: Alaska’s August ballot is shaping up to be a monster

By SUZANNE DOWNING

June 2, 2026 – With the candidate filing deadline now closed, Alaskans can start sizing up what may be one of the most crowded primary ballots in recent memory. Or at least since 2022, when 48 people were on the ballot to replace the late Congressman Don Young.

The Aug. 18, 2026 primary election will feature races from US Senate and House, governor, and state legislative contests, and the sheer number of names could make for a lengthy ballot.

Here is a look at the election by the numbers:

17 — Governor and lieutenant governor tickets filed

A total of 17 gubernatorial tickets completed filing with the Alaska Division of Elections. While some are major contenders and others face long odds, the field reflects just how crowded the race has become under Alaska’s open primary system.

16 — Candidates for US Senate

Fourteen candidates filed for Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, where incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is seeking another term.

15 — Candidates for US House

Ten candidates filed for Alaska’s lone US House seat, currently held by Nick Begich.

53 — Separate races on the statewide ballot

Alaskans will also vote in:

• All 40 Alaska House seats
• 10 Alaska Senate seats

That adds up to 53 separate contests appearing on the primary ballot.

32 — Days until overseas ballots begin going out

As of June 2, only about 32 days remain before Alaska begins mailing ballots to military and overseas voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, commonly known as UOCAVA.

Federal law requires ballots be sent approximately 45 days before Election Day, putting the first mailing date around July 4 for the Aug. 18 primary.

0 — Challengers for six incumbent lawmakers

A handful of incumbents drew no opposition at all. Only two are Republican.

In the Senate:

• Sen. Bert Stedman – Republican
• Sen. Loki Tobin – Democrat
• Sen. Bill Wielechowski – Democrat

All filed without challengers.

In the House, no challengers for these members:

• Rep. Sara Hannan – Democrat
• Rep. Chuck Kopp – Republican
• Rep. Genevieve Mina – Democrat

1 — Republican senator challenged from the right

South Anchorage Sen. Cathy Giessel drew a challenge from former GOP district chair Gretchen Stoddard, setting up a Republican-versus-Republican contest that will test conservative dissatisfaction within party ranks.

9 — Republican House incumbents facing conservative primary opposition

Several Republican lawmakers will have to defend their seats against challengers running on their right.

Among them:

• Rep. Justin Ruffridge faces Daniel Cooper.
• Nonpartisan Rep. Ky Holland, who caucuses with Democrats, faces former Department of Natural Resources Commissioner John Boyle.
• Rep. Dan Saddler drew four Republican challengers: Ken McCarty, Gina Wall, Scott Williams, and Sharon Jackson.
• Rep. DeLena Johnson faces Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman Michael Bowles.
• Rep. Jubilee Underwood faces former Rep. David Eastman, whom she defeated two years ago.
• Rep. Elexie Moore drew two Republican challengers, Evan Bordenkircher and Stephen Wright.
• Rep. Kevin McCabe drew three conservative challengers: Mike Alexander, Doyle Holmes, and Doug Massie.
• Rep. Will Stapp faces Republican Seth Church.
• Rep. Mike Prax faces Republican Barbara Haney.

These races are only a snapshot of the candidate field, but they highlight a notable trend: many of the most competitive Republican contests this year are not between Republicans and Democrats, but between Republican incumbents and challengers who argue the incumbents have drifted away from the party’s conservative base.

With ballots going out to overseas voters in just over a month and the primary less than 77 days away, Alaska’s 2026 election season is now heating up.