Alaska Gubernatorial Primary Election — Candidate Comparison

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Tom Begich grew up in Alaska surrounded by the people and places that shaped his commitment to public service. From Anchorage neighborhoods to rural communities, he knows that resilience is what makes Alaska special. We solve our own problems by rolling up our sleeves, collaborating, and working with our neighbors. His work as an organizer, facilitator, musician and poet brought him into multiple communities across the state, teaching him that Alaska’s future depends on investing in our people. Tom lives in Anchorage with his wife, Sarah

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Matt Claman began representing West Anchorage in the Alaska State Senate in 2023 following the November 2022 election. Before his service in the Senate, Matt served in the State House of Representatives from 2015 through 2022. During these challenging times, Matt effectively represents the interests of West Anchorage and all of Alaska. He’s running for Governor to make sure Alaska’s interests are heard and represented in Juneau. Matt always puts Alaska first, working across party lines for a responsible action plan for Alaska with common-sense, practical solutions. A responsible action plan includes: Improving public safety and making wise use of our public safety resources. Balancing the budget and protecting the Permanent Fund. Protecting your constitutional rights, including...

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

As a State Senator, small business owner, and local community leader, Tom has pushed for a stronger economy, a dependable education system, and an energy plan that lowers costs for Alaskans. As a State Senator, Tom co-founded the Innovation Caucus, served on the World Trade Committee, and championed legislation to expand ... For over twenty years, Tom has worked on education and youth development. In the State Senate, he worked across party lines to ... Tom has helped communities plan for the future, from the Northwest Arctic Borough to Ketchikan... Tom has spent three decades strengthening youth development, public health, public safety, and substance... Tom’s statewide community planning work gives him a unique understanding of the local systems that shape food access ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Matt served as Acting Mayor of Anchorage in 2009 during the height of the national financial crisis. He provided steady, careful leadership in challenging times. Before and after his service as acting mayor, he represented West Anchorage on the Anchorage Assembly (2007–2010) and was unanimously elected assembly chair in 2008. The Anchorage Daily News described his service as acting mayor: “During a short but troubled period, Claman demonstrated leadership skills that carried the city forward.” Matt followed his dream and first came to Alaska in 1980, working as a cook in remote mining camps. After graduating from law school, Matt returned to Alaska to make his home, raise his family, and establish his career. An attorney for more than 37 years, Matt knows about helping people...

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

RELIABLE EDUCATION VISION STRONG SCHOOLS. SKILLED WORKERS. STABLE COMMUNITIES. Education is Alaska’s workforce engine, economic foundation, and strongest long-term investment in public safety, prosperity, and opportunity. My plan treats education as the fundamental state infrastructure it is....

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

AFFORDABLE ENERGY VISION LOWER BILLS AND FEWER OUTAGES. LONG-TERM INDEPENDENCE. Energy affects everything in Alaska: groceries, heating, healthcare, housing, and jobs. My plan treats energy as a cost-of-living emergency right now as well as the foundation of Alaska’s long-term independence. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY VISION LOCAL JOBS AND OWNERSHIP. LOWER COSTS. LONG-TERM STRENGTH. A self-reliant economy means Alaska families are not at the mercy of outside prices or supply chains. This plan grows Alaska's economic self-reliance. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Public Safety Public safety should mean safer neighborhoods and trust between communities and first responders. Alaska deserves safety rooted in prevention, accountability, and local connection. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Housing and Infrastructure Safe housing and smart infrastructure protect families, keep costs down, and support a strong economy. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Healthcare Healthcare should not bankrupt families and access to healthcare should not be impossible. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Permanent Fund Dividend The Permanent Fund belongs to the people of Alaska. Dividends should be protected and predictable. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Protecting Democracy & Alaska’s Constitution Alaska’s Constitution protects our freedoms, our resources, and our democracy. It must be defended. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Food Security & Affordability No Alaskan should worry about whether they can afford to feed their family. Food security is about cost, access, health, and independence. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Jobs and Workforce Development Alaskans want careers that pay well, and that allow families to stay together for generations in Alaska. ...

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

"As Governor, I will ensure that our government continues to show a lot of love to Alaska’s Golden Heart, which helps keep our economy moving." @TomBegich4AK January 16, 2025

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

"as governor I’ll be a champion for them [homegrown businesses]." @TomBegich4AK November 7, 2025

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

"As Governor, I will never back down in a fight to protect my fellow Alaskans." (in context of protecting food assistance / SNAP amid issues) @TomBegich4AK October 31, 2025

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

"Being prepared to assist in the face of disasters is a primary responsibility of our Government. As Governor, I’ll stand ready to come to a community’s aid when we see a potential crisis on the horizon." @TomBegich4AK October 8, 2025

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman:

Score:  / 22  Tom Begich:

Score:  / 22  Matt Claman: