Bronson files for governor with Church as running mate

Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson filed to run for governor with Marine Corps Special Operations veteran Josh Church as his lieutenant governor running mate, joining an already active 2026 Republican primary field focused on resource development and government accountability.

Bronson served as Anchorage mayor from 2021 to 2024 and is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. He also served in the Alaska Air National Guard from 1993 to 2005 as a maintenance officer and C-130 pilot. Church is a Fairbanks City Finance Committee member, wealth manager, and 26-year Alaska resident who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with Marine Corps Special Operations. Both candidates are registered Republicans.

The filing formalizes a campaign Bronson launched in January, according to his campaign website. His platform centers on resource development, expanded access to land and housing, lower energy costs, and infrastructure investment.

The Alaska primary election is August 18, 2026, with the general election November 3, 2026.