By SUZANNE DOWNING
Sept. 23, 2026 – Criticism of Bernadette Wilson’s business finances surfaced again in the governor’s race this week, this time in a comment on the Republican candidate’s Facebook page. Wilson answered with an account of the cash flow problems she faced while running her garbage company during and after the Covid shutdowns.
Lucy Bauer, who has expressed strong support for rival candidate Treg Taylor on her own Facebook page, questioned whether voters should support Wilson given her difficulty paying bills. “How could we vote for her?” Bauer wrote. “Even she wasn’t responsible for her own bills? That’s really bothering me.” The comment provided no details about which bills Bauer meant; Bauer provided no receipts for her accusation.
Wilson has faced criticism over late bills and even the loss of a Permanent Fund dividend to satisfy a debt. In her response, she did not brush aside the struggle. Wilson, who has been endorsed by Congressman Nick Begich, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Gov. Sarah Huckabee, Congressman Byron Donalds, Morton Blackwell, and other national figures, leaned into the struggles she has endured. She said it was part of why she is running for governor, and the hardships have made her more resilient. Here is her response in full:
Lucy Bauer, I could tell you of business challenges and cash flow problems like you would not understand. I can tell you about sleepless nights and a pit in your stomach, worried whether or not you will be able to pull through. During COVID especially, I had many nights wondering if we would make it.
As a single mother, I understand the concerns surrounding Alaska’s high cost of living — I have lived it. I understand these challenges firsthand better than most.
At the end of the day, I thank Almighty God that we pulled through, and I am glad that still today, that business is surviving, even for all the challenges it still has on any given day.
My heart breaks for businesses that are not so fortunate. I had several friends lose their businesses after COVID, and just last week, I had a business owner come to me in tears who had to shut her doors after not being able to make payroll. I hear constantly from Alaskans worried about the high cost of living.
My message to all of you: Keep going. These are the moments that make you resilient. Trust God, and He will pull you through.
So yes, I know these challenges firsthand. I also know what it takes to pull through them, and quite frankly, it’s about damn time we had a Governor who did too. I’m tired of hearing “experienced” politicians and government bureaucrats talk about how they understand the current challenges of businesses and economic pressures.
Considering you moved here from China and are supporting a candidate that was born in Canada, I’m sure you especially appreciate that the American dream comes with challenges and struggles, but the hope that we can own our future. For all the challenges and rewards, the heartbreak and the victories, it gives us a grit and a determination and a resilience that simply can’t be taught anywhere else.
Donald Trump declared bankruptcy six times, and I know you may not have voted for him, but I did. His business challenges gave me confidence that he truly understood how to go through hell. And I believe that he is one of the best presidents Alaska has ever had.
Alaska, stay strong! The days of career bureaucrats are coming to an end. I know the bills are piling up, and so many of you are behind, worried about if you will make it.
I’m here to stand next to you and to pray with you through all these struggles. We are in this together, and I will fight like hell on your behalf.
The exchange drew responses from Wilson supporters who defended her record as a entrepreneurial business owner and single mother who started a garbage company from scratch.
Bauer’s support for Taylor adds a political edge to the criticism. Taylor has faced a separate dispute over his public financial disclosures: The Alaska Public Offices Commission recommended against certifying his nomination, but Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed her initial decision after a Department of Law review and kept him on the ballot. That proceeding concerned filing transparency and flouting of the APOC rules.
Wilson’s answer leaves voters with a question: Does struggling to keep a business alive diminish a candidate’s qualifications, or give that candidate a closer understanding of what other Alaskans are going through?
Note to readers: The writer of this article has endorsed Bernadette Wilson for governor.
6 thoughts on “Bernadette Wilson answers criticism of her business debts with grace — and a story of survival”
Pity the Dems and Independents who so love the underdog yet can’t be bothered to read the article. Such is the hypocrisy on display.
This is why women should never hold positions of power. Too much emotion to be reliable.
Who among us hasn’t had money/career/business troubles almost to the point of ruin? Stop with the pity party single mom BS.
Time to repeal the 19th Amendment and keep women out of their equation.
Additionally nobody under the age of 55 gives a rats a** about endorsements. It is just pathetic, sad, and often counterproductive. It is akin to having to have a cosigner.
The only vote that matters this fall is voting YED on 2!
Hmm, Tim do you apply the same standard to men, who want to settle every argument with their fists or yelling threats? Seems to me they are not very stable either and should not hold positions of power.
Maybe you think a mental health test is a requirement for voting, but then who will administer that one and make that choice????
Since time immemorial women have kept things running while the men went off to bash each others heads in, so spare us your chauvinism. Women like men have individual talents and flaws. Their gender doesn’t determine whether or not they are good leaders.
You don’t like Mrs. Wilson? That is your prerogative and so don’t vote for her, but she has a right to run for the office and vote for the candidates she deems best suited.
Get over it!
YES on 2
I wonder why it has taken THIS LONG for the Alaska Story to run with this article? It has surfaced for months. When I asked for an off-the-record interview, so as not to rely on rumors, the promised call never came. And being a single Mom raises other questions, too. Someone in financial and family difficulties somehow wants to solve an entire state’s problems? Please don’t tell me that a candidate’s personal life should have nothing to do with their qualifications for elected office. Conservatives: make your choice, pick your poison, and RANK THE RED and keep the Dems OUT of office.
“ And I believe that he is one of the best presidents Alaska has ever had.“
Please please please don’t let this nut job become governor.