AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: Alaskans joined No Kings rallies Saturday, with organizers urging voters to cast ballots early; in-person voting begins Monday in many locations. Senate Race: Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola clashed over Iran and the economy in Alaska’s final Senate debate. The closely watched race is among several that could decide Senate control. Settlement Funds: Alaska’s share of Meta’s up-to-$17 billion settlement will be split between the state general fund and the attorney general’s enforcement budget, with no specific share required for youth mental health or safety. Arctic Security: The Coast Guard tracked four Chinese research vessels in international waters off Alaska in September. A senior Coast Guard official raised concerns the ships could gather data for mineral exploration or military use. Energy and Land: Trump touted Taiwan’s planned investment of up to $4.4 billion in the Alaska LNG project, though negotiations are ongoing. Separately, lawmakers subpoenaed the state resources commissioner over a proposed land transfer near Houston.

Senate Race: Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola traded personal attacks in Alaska’s final Senate debate, clashing over the Iran war, high prices and their records. Sullivan has stood by President Trump as voters weigh the economy ahead of Nov. 3. State Finances: Gubernatorial hopeful Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins says Alaska needs new revenue measures; Republican candidates disagree. Energy: Taiwan says it plans to invest up to $4.4 billion in the proposed Alaska gas project and buy LNG, after Trump touted a deal for 30% of its output. Public Lands: The Interior Department restored Alaska-specific rules for national parks and preserves; the Trump administration is also moving to reopen them to bear baiting by sport hunters. Fishing: Alaska pollock’s huge catches are fueling a fight over industrial trawling and salmon bycatch. Ketchikan: Shipyard workers voted to re-unionize, while a local family’s effort to bring home an ancestor who died at the Carlisle boarding school continues after officials found the remains beneath her headstone were not hers.

Senate Race: Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan traded sharp attacks in their final major debate, clashing over the Iran war, high prices, health care and their records. Sullivan questioned Peltola’s use of notes; she accused him of backing an unpopular war. Public Lands: The Trump administration finalized a rule allowing sport hunters to bait bears in Alaska national preserves, reversing earlier federal bans. Gun Laws: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills urged lawmakers to clarify state rules on suppressors and some short-barreled firearms after a federal court ruling left gun owners uncertain. Energy: State officials favor Enstar’s proposal to expand Kenai gas storage over Hilcorp’s. State Budget: Higher oil prices could bring Alaska a sizable surplus, renewing debate over new revenue and the Permanent Fund dividend. Houston Land: Residents fear a proposed transfer of nearly 20,000 acres to the state development agency could enable data centers and limit recreation. Campaign Cash: Democrats outraised Republicans in several pivotal Senate races, including Alaska, though GOP outside groups and major donors remain a counterweight.

Senate Race: Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola clashed in a heated debate over the Iran war, rising prices and each other’s credibility, with control of the closely divided Senate at stake. Firearms Law: Alaska’s attorney general says a federal court decision has left state restrictions on suppressors and certain rifles legally uncertain; prosecutors have been told to consult state officials before pursuing related charges until lawmakers clarify the law. Public Lands: The Interior Department finalized a rule restoring Alaska-specific management provisions for national parks and preserves, including rules affecting wildlife harvest, subsistence and public access. Energy: Alaska officials favor ENSTAR’s proposal to expand natural gas storage in Kenai, though the city says disputed ownership of the storage space could threaten the project. Taiwan has also discussed investing in the Alaska LNG project, but negotiations remain ahead.

Governor’s Race: President Trump endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson, calling her the strongest GOP contender. Democrat Jonathan Kriss-Tomkins led the August primary, while Dave Bronson says he won’t leave the race. Senate Showdown: Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola traded personal attacks in a tense debate over affordability, energy and the Iran war. Trump has campaigned for Sullivan as the close race draws national attention. Alaska LNG: Taiwan says talks have made “major progress” toward a proposed $4.4 billion investment in the gas project; Trump has touted a much larger purchase commitment, but negotiations continue. Land Dispute: The state Senate Resources Committee subpoenaed DNR Commissioner John Crowther to testify about a proposed no-cost transfer of roughly 20,000 acres to AIDEA for an industrial development that could include data centers.

Senate Race: Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola are set for a high-profile debate as they vie for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat; President Trump rallied for Sullivan in Wasilla this week, while voters say political calls and texts are flooding their phones. Alaska LNG: Taiwan says it is considering up to $4.4 billion in investment and a long-term gas purchase from the proposed Alaska project, but key terms remain under negotiation despite Trump’s larger claims about the deal. House Contest: Republican Nick Begich and independent challenger Bill Hill clashed over resource development, affordability and their records in a statewide debate. State Policy: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills urged lawmakers to clarify Alaska firearms laws after a federal court ruling created uncertainty over registration requirements.** Local Issues: Anchorage is moving ahead with two land swaps aimed at spurring housing development.

Alaska LNG: Taiwan says it plans to buy 6 million tonnes of gas a year from the proposed pipeline and invest up to $4.4 billion, subject to negotiations. Trump has presented the deal as settled, while South Korea says its participation remains under review. Energy and Land: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum pitched Fairbanks as a hub for data centers and foreign investment days after Golden Valley Electric issued a power emergency. State senators have subpoenaed the natural resources commissioner over a proposed transfer of nearly 20,000 acres to AIDEA. Election 2026: Trump rallied in Wasilla for Sen. Dan Sullivan and endorsed Bernadette Wilson for governor; Republican Dave Bronson says he’ll stay in the race. Early in-person voting starts Oct. 19. Community: Alaska’s Great ShakeOut drill is set for 10:15 a.m. today. A second $1,200 PFD distribution is scheduled for Oct. 22 for eligible applicants marked “Eligible-Not Paid” as of Oct. 12.

Wasilla Campaign Stop: President Donald Trump rallied in Alaska for Sen. Dan Sullivan, Rep. Nick Begich and gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson, and pardoned two Alaska mechanics who pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act violations. Sullivan faces a tougher-than-expected challenge from Mary Peltola. Alaska LNG: Trump touted Taiwan’s plan to buy 30% of the proposed project’s output and invest up to $4.4 billion. Taiwan confirmed progress, but said investment terms are still under negotiation; South Korea’s reported $50 billion commitment also remains uncertain. Cost of Living: U.S. inflation accelerated to 3.7% over the year through September, with energy costs adding pressure as high fuel prices weigh on Alaskans. Ballot Access: Early voting begins Oct. 19. Native voters could shape close races, but many face extra time and expense to cast ballots and are rarely contacted by campaigns.

Alaska LNG: Taiwan’s government confirmed plans for state-owned CPC Corp. to buy 6 million metric tons of LNG a year from the proposed Alaska project and invest up to $4.4 billion. Supplies could begin as early as 2032 if the project proceeds on schedule. Wasilla Rally: President Donald Trump campaigned for Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich, endorsed gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson and urged voters to repeal ranked-choice voting. He also pardoned two Anchorage diesel mechanics who pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act violations. Russia Diesel Deal: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined a bipartisan group urging Trump to reverse his plan to ease sanctions on Russian diesel. Alaska’s average diesel price was $6.56 a gallon, up from $4.10 a year earlier.

Alaska Campaign: Trump arrived in Alaska to rally for Sen. Dan Sullivan as his race tightens; challenger Mary Peltola raised $17 million in the third quarter. Independent U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, a Bristol Bay fisherman, is making affordability and working-class concerns central to his challenge to Rep. Nick Begich. Senate: Lisa Murkowski joined five Republican colleagues and six Democrats urging Trump to scrap his Russian diesel deal, warning it could help fund Moscow’s war and harm U.S. security. State Politics: Mat-Su Sen. Cathy Tilton faces allegations from relatives and others that she began a sexual relationship with a teenage babysitter in the 1990s; the claims surfaced in an anonymous video and are under scrutiny less than a month before Election Day. Families and Communities: Alaska governor candidates discussed the childcare shortage, with several backing looser provider rules and employer incentives. Anchorage marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day with artists and vendors celebrating Native culture. Energy: A truck struck a North Slope pipeline, temporarily reducing oil and gas flows.

Wasilla Rally: President Donald Trump is in Alaska today to campaign for Sen. Dan Sullivan, whose race against former Rep. Mary Peltola has become unexpectedly competitive. The rally is expected to draw thousands; road closures and delays are planned around Wasilla. Governor’s Race: Alaska’s four candidates for governor face pressure to address childcare shortages, with advocates estimating more than 25,000 residents could work more if care were available. The Republican field remains divided, and Trump has not endorsed a candidate. Halong’s Aftermath: A year after Typhoon Halong devastated Western Alaska villages, survivors are still rebuilding. Some, including Kwigillingok residents, remain displaced in Anchorage and are coping with the loss of homes and community ties. Alaska in Washington: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined a bipartisan call for Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it conflicts with federal law, and criticized the Pentagon’s plan to livestream a military execution.

Russia Diesel Fight: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined a bipartisan group urging President Donald Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it conflicts with a 2022 law barring Russian energy imports and could bankroll Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Campaign Trail: Trump is scheduled to rally in Wasilla Tuesday for Alaska Republicans as tight midterm races put the party’s Senate majority at risk. House Race: Bristol Bay fisherman Bill Hill is challenging Republican Rep. Nick Begich, campaigning on affordability and presenting himself as a working Alaskan. Native Allotments: Sen. Dan Sullivan introduced legislation to expand land options for Alaska Native veterans seeking Vietnam-era allotments. Kodiak Economy: Cruise traffic is projected to fall 28% next summer, to about 22,500 passengers, after a record 2026 season.

Russia Sanctions: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined five senators urging Trump to reverse his plan to buy Russian diesel, warning the revenue could help fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Campaign Trail: Trump plans a Wasilla stop to support Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich as Alaska’s midterm races draw national attention. Alaska LNG: South Korea says it has made no investment commitment to the proposed project; officials say any decision depends on its commercial viability, while analysts point to a lack of buyers willing to pay above-market prices. Fisheries: Alaska pollock nets can catch salmon, intensifying conflict as western Alaska communities face declining runs and a seven-year Chinook fishing ban on the Yukon River.

Alaska Politics: Two Republican candidates withdrew from a Fairbanks gubernatorial forum to attend President Trump’s Wasilla rally for Sen. Dan Sullivan; a third had already declined, leaving Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins as the sole participant. Sullivan faces a close race against Mary Peltola. Russian Diesel Deal: Sullivan’s campaign says Alaska production—not Russian imports—is the answer to high fuel prices. Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined five colleagues urging Trump to reverse the deal. Bering Sea Fisheries: Pollock trawling is fueling a fight over bycatch: over the past decade, trawlers averaged about 18,000 Chinook salmon and 288,000 other salmon caught annually, raising concerns among fishers and communities. Denali Funding: Federal cuts put the park’s sled-dog patrols at risk; without funding for three kennel-care workers, the program may stop this winter. Alaska LNG: South Korea’s touted investment remains uncertain, with political and economic challenges clouding the proposed project.

Russia and Alaska: Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined Republicans opposing President Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal, saying it could help finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Governor’s race: Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson attacked Republican rival Bernadette Wilson during a debate, exposing new fractures in the GOP field. Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has outraised the three Republicans combined. Alaska LNG: South Korean companies see potential in the project, but high costs, uncertain buyers and mostly nonbinding sales agreements remain major hurdles. Vice President JD Vance says cooperation will continue. Fishing and elections: Trawling and its effects on salmon and Native communities are fueling debate in Alaska’s closely watched Western Alaska House race. Southeast Alaska: Federal funding cuts are challenging communities, while Metlakatla welcomed home the remains of Lucy Spaulding, who died at Carlisle Indian Industrial School more than 120 years ago. Campaign trail: Trump’s Wasilla rally drew excitement and mixed reactions as he campaigned for struggling Republicans.

Governor’s Race: Dave Bronson broke the Republicans’ truce, accusing Bernadette Wilson of being unfit for office and faulting party leaders for failing to vet candidates. Alaska LNG: Korean steelmakers and shipbuilders see potential work in the project, but its $44.5 billion-to-$54.5 billion price tag, uncertain buyers and mostly nonbinding agreements leave the investment far from secured. House Contest: Bristol Bay fisherman Bill Hill is campaigning against Republican Rep. Nick Begich on affordability and working-class concerns, while fishing policy has become a major fault line in the race. Fisheries: Bering Sea pollock trawlers catch thousands of Chinook and hundreds of thousands of other salmon as bycatch each year, fueling debate over the industry’s impact on Alaska communities. Southeast Alaska: Federal funding cuts are challenging local programs and services, underscoring the region’s dependence on federal support. Consumer Protection: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills is seeking court approval of settlements resolving allegations that generic drugmakers conspired to inflate prices.