Fairbanks wealth manager files for lieutenant governor

Josh Church, a Fairbanks wealth manager and Marine Corps Special Operations veteran, filed Thursday to run for lieutenant governor in 2026.

Church, 39, is a registered Republican who serves on the Fairbanks City Finance Committee. He was born in Wasilla, raised in Fairbanks, and has lived in Alaska for 26 years. His wife is a firefighter captain and paramedic.

"Alaska is heading in the wrong direction and weak leadership is failing the people who built this state," Church said in his candidate statement. "Families are being crushed by rising costs. Crime is out of control in too many communities. Schools are failing our children."

Church's platform centers on resource development, infrastructure expansion, and lowering energy costs. He also said he will work to ensure Alaska's elections are transparent, secure, timely, and trusted by the public.

Church is a third-generation Alaskan who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during his military service. He has worked construction projects across Alaska and has invested in Alaska real estate and businesses.

The candidate statement was submitted to the Division of Elections in accordance with Alaska statutes.