Claman-Skeel ticket marked withdrawn from Alaska governor's race

The Alaska Division of Elections now lists Matt Claman and Sarah Skeel as withdrawn from the 2026 governor and lieutenant governor race.

The division's candidate page for the Aug. 18 primary shows "Withdrawn" above the Claman/Skeel ticket in the governor and lieutenant governor section. The page notes the candidate withdrawal deadline was 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27.

A Claman campaign press release dated June 27 confirmed the withdrawal. Claman, a Democratic state senator from Anchorage, said he and Skeel entered the race to improve public safety, health and education, but decided to step away from the field.

“We have decided to step away from the field, feeling confident that our key issues will be addressed and carried forward by other candidates who I know will provide leadership that Alaska needs right now,” Claman said. “I look forward to continuing my service in the Senate.”

Skeel said running with Claman had been “an inspiring experience” that let her meet Alaskans and hear firsthand about the challenges facing the state. “Working to improve the health and welfare of Alaskans will always be my life’s goal,” Skeel said.

The withdrawal leaves 17 certified governor and lieutenant governor tickets in the field, including the newly updated Lesil McGuire/Sara Rasmussen ticket. The same Division of Elections page now lists McGuire/Rasmussen as certified after McGuire’s campaign announced Rasmussen would replace Elizabeth Rexford as McGuire’s lieutenant governor candidate.

Under Alaska’s top-four system, governor and lieutenant governor candidates run as tickets, and the top four tickets in the Aug. 18 primary advance to the November general election.