Crum officially announces run for governor during rally in Wasilla

Following months of speculation, Adam Crum officially announced his run for Alaska Governor during a rally in Wasilla on August 19, becoming the third candidate from the Mat-Su Borough to seek the top leadership role.

“For too many Alaskans, the dream of a bright future here at home is slipping away. Young people are leaving. Families are struggling. Federal bureaucrats keep 60% of our land locked up, burying us in red tape. I refuse to let our future be written by someone else,” said Crum during the rally.

Crum now joins two other Mat-Su residents — Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries and state Sen. Shelley Hughes — in the race for governor.

“I’ve known Adam as a husband, a father, a public servant, and most importantly, a man who never stops showing up for the people he loves and the state he calls home,” said Colleen Crum as she introduced her husband, describing him as a big, affable family man who shows up with a calm head, steady hand, and a listening ear.

“He sees potential where others see problems, and he doesn’t back down when things get hard.”

“Adam is a man of grit and determination. He’s a leader who gets things done. A dad who wants to make sure that his kids and yours can grow up in a state that is safe, thriving, and full of opportunities,” she told the crowd.

“Like these seasons that shape us, Alaska keeps moving forward, changing, growing, demanding our attention, demanding our stewardship,” he said. “When you love a place like this, truly love it, you can’t just watch from the sidelines. You step forward. You fight for what matters. You lead. That’s why tonight, I stand before you to announce I’m running for governor for the great state of Alaska.”

Crum recently resigned as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, a position he held after being appointed by Governor Mike Dunleavy back in November, 2022, highlighting his accomplishments including boosting the state’s credit rating to the highest it’s been in years while optimizing investments and working to bring new opportunities to the state.

He first joined Dunleavy’s administration as Commissioner of Health and Social Services, where he played a key role in helping the administration through challenging times, notably by ensuring critical support to key industries such as tourism and commercial fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crum told his supporters that he wants to move forward with purpose, building an Alaska that is prosperous for all by creating jobs and increasing the economy and, with the help of investors, do what he can to bring in a gas line, develop electrical energy and improve infrastructure across the state, “where resource potential meets cutting edge innovation.”

“If we are going to protect this land we love, we can’t just stand still. We have to move forward with purpose – a stronger Alaska, built by our own hands, guided by our own values, and driven by the grit that only comes from living here. I’m running for Governor to protect and develop this land, to defend our way of life, and to leave something better for the next generation.”

Crum becomes the eighth Republican candidate for Governor, as current Governor Mike Dunleavy has termed out. The race is expected to be a primary focus of Alaska politics over the next 27 months.

There will be a nonpartisan blanket primary on August 18, 2026, in which the four highest-placing candidates will advance to a ranked-choice general election. The 2026 Alaska gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.