By SUZANNE DOWNING
Alaska Republican Party Chair Carmela Warfield put weeks of speculation to rest on Saturday, announcing she will seek another term leading the state party rather than pursue elected office.
Warfield made the announcement during a meeting of the Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club, where members responded by unanimously endorsing her bid for another term as chair.
Her decision signals continuity for the party heading into one of the most consequential election cycles in Alaska in years.
Warfield has served three years as chair of the Alaska Republican Party. She was initially elected alongside vice chair Zack Gotschall, and later served with Cheryl Markwood as vice chair. Markwood resigned last week after being appointed Interior regional director for Gov. Mike Dunleavy, leaving the vice chair position currently vacant.
Under party rules, leadership elections are held during the statewide Republican convention, meaning the vice chair position will remain open until delegates meet this spring.
The Alaska Republican Party State Convention is scheduled for May 8–9, 2026, at the Soldotna Field House in Soldotna.
Warfield’s decision to run again for chair removes lingering rumors that she might enter the crowded field of candidates seeking elected office in 2026.
Her continued leadership comes as Alaska Republicans prepare for a high-stakes election year. Three major statewide races are on the ballot: governor, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate.
The governor’s race is particularly crowded, with 17 candidates already running for the open seat. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Nick Begich will be defending Alaska’s lone congressional seat, and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is expected to seek reelection to the Senate.
At the same time, Republicans are also organizing around a major ballot effort to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system.
Activists at Saturday’s Mat-Su gathering said Warfield’s announcement brings a measure of stability and continuity as Republicans prepare for the busy election cycle ahead.
Congressman Nick Begich issued the following statement of support: “Carmela Warfield is battle-tested – someone who has delivered steady leadership through tough challenges. Carmela has proven to drive results through hard work, professionalism, and a passion for service. Alaska Republicans have been fortunate to have her leadership as Chair, uniting our team around a common purpose while also remaining focused on our grassroots efforts. With Carmela at the helm, we will rally behind core Alaskan values, defend our freedoms, and continue putting America first, ensuring conservative principles prevail in the Last Frontier, to the benefit Alaskans today and for generations yet to come.”
She also has support from Sen. Dan Sullivan: “I want to thank Carmela Warfield for her incredibly hard and effective work during her first term as Chair of the Alaska Republican Party. She has focused so much of her time and energy on bringing all elements of our party together in order to be ready for the coming fight against outside progressives and the National Democrats. These groups, as always, want to turn our great state into a National Park and kill thousands of jobs. Carmela has been focused on defeating them in every upcoming race we have in November. For all of these reasons, I am honored to endorse Carmela for another term as Chair of the ARP and look forward to working with her and the entire party to make sure we have Republican victories up and down the ballot throughout Alaska in November.””
And Gov. Mike Dunleavy also issued a statement: “Carmela understands what it means to put Alaska First. She has been a strong advocate for responsible resource development, growing Alaska’s economy, protecting our jobs, and ensuring that Alaska’s voice is heard loud and clear in national politics. She brings energy, toughness, and relentless drive to the job every single day. Carmela doesn’t just talk about winning, she organizes, mobilizes, and delivers results. Under her leadership, the Alaska Republican Party has become stronger, more unified, and focused on fighting for Alaska’s future. Carmela understands the stakes. She stands for conservative values, American energy, and an Alaska First vision that puts our workers, families, and communities ahead of outside interests. I strongly support Carmela’s re-election as Chairman of the Alaska Republican Party.”
Her reelection bid will be formally decided by party delegates at the state convention in Soldotna in May.
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