Alaska governor's race survey: AI policy and news sources

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One way to gauge the astonishing growth in the artificial intelligence since Alaska's last gubernatorial election, in 2022, is simply to look at the market value of the Nvidia, the leading AI chip maker.

Since 2022, that number has grown more than 10-fold, from some $350 billion to some $5 trillion today.

AI, it's safe to say, wasn't a major issue for gubernatorial candidates in 2022. But now it's front burner, given the industry's increasing significance to the economy and in many Alaskans' everyday lives.

In this edition of the survey, we asked candidates to share how they would use AI in their administration, and about what safeguards they'd put in place.

We also asked them about their go-to news sources.

Republicans Bernadette Wilson, Treg Taylor and Adam Crum and independent Meda DeWitt did not respond to this edition's questions; we sent them multiple requests. One other listed candidate whom we couldn't reach was independent Destry Payne, whose publicly listed email address did not work.

Previous surveys include: climate change, schools funding, Alaska's LNG project, the s-corp tax loophole, the PFD and ferries, health care costs and oil production taxes.

Have suggestions for future survey questions? Email nat[at]northernjournal[dot]com.

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Question 1

Artificial intelligence has grown into one of America's biggest industries — with many touting its benefits and others warning of risks and cautioning that its potential is overblown.

If elected, how would you use AI in your administration, and what AI safeguards or protections would you put in place?

Question 2

What are your two favorite in-state news sources, and what are your two favorite national news sources? Why?

Tom Begich, Democrat, former state senator

1. Artificial intelligence is already in state government, and Alaska needs a governor who gets ahead of it, not one reacting to it.

I will use AI to make government work better for Alaskans. What AI will not do in my administration is replace state employees. Permit queues back up for years due to staffing shortages. Benefits processors get buried in repetitive data entry when they could be solving real problems. That is where AI belongs: handling tedious work so employees can use their judgment, not replacing those workers. And a human must stay in the loop on any decision that affects Alaskans' lives.

Within my first 90 days, every state agency will develop an AI strategy that identifies where automation reduces administrative burden, includes coordination with affected unions, addresses cybersecurity and data privacy, and sets clear human oversight standards. No agency deploys AI without that plan, and without workers having a real voice in how those tools are designed.

I will also push for guardrails modeled on states already leading. Colorado requires employers to audit AI hiring tools for bias. Illinois requires notice when AI assists employment decisions. Alaska should not be last to act.

2. In-state, my family reads and subscribes to the Anchorage Daily News for its statewide reach and consistent political and issue coverage — and yes, it features articles from the Alaska Beacon and Northern Journal and other independent outlets too, but I’m not trying to curry favor, since you're the one asking. I also look at local news whenever possible. I am also a fan of the growing network of online Alaska media outlets - from the Mat-Su and Kenai to Southeast Alaska.

Nationally, I actually look at BBC America as it covers most national news pretty comprehensively and from a decidedly neutral place.

In a state this spread out, with this many competing interests, I want sources that take the time to get the full story right, not just the fastest one.

Michael Gilbert, Republican

1. I WILL NOT use any AI in my administration. Everyday Alaskans can do so at their own benefit and leisure, and I and my running mate encourage you to use your freedom to do so. That being so, however, we believe it to be a possible security risk for sensitive government data at this present time. We would encourage the use of AI as applicable while keeping the use of AI within reason.
2. In-state 1: Anchorage Daily News. Always has been a favorite for our team as lifelong Alaskans.
   In-state 2: Channel 2 news, it's the main TV source in Anchorage.
   National 1: One America News, great source for conservative news.
   National 2: Twitter/X, great way to keep up on news.

Matt Heilala, Republican, podiatrist

1. If elected Governor, I would integrate AI into state government to deliver faster, smarter results for Alaskans through performance, not promises. AI will help streamline permitting and cut red tape that delays resource development in oil, gas, mining, timber and fisheries. It will improve budgeting, fraud detection, remote services, and productivity in healthcare, education, and the workforce. My administration will expand on current uses like legislative research to boost economic growth and government efficiency. Safeguards are evolving through federal oversight and public private partnerships (Anthropic et al), and undoubtably higher level military frameworks much like as seen in the nuclear program. After all, we are in an AI arms race much like the Manhattan Project of the 1940's. We will emphasize workforce training and practical management rather than heavy regulations that could slow innovation. As I have said, AI is here to stay and will hit like a supersonic tsunami. Leaning in responsibly will position Alaska for greater prosperity; we cannot afford to be left behind.
2. My two favorite in-state news sources are KTUU and the Anchorage Daily News. They keep me connected to the pulse of "popular culture" and the key issues facing Alaskans across the state. Nationally, I value the Wall Street Journal as a balanced source of information and Fox Business Channel for its right-leaning but business-focused coverage of economic and policy matters (with humor) important to Alaska’s resource economy. These outlets give me a practical mix of local relevance and national perspective grounded in facts and real-world outcomes.

Bill Walker, independent, former governor

1. Manufactured ideas cannot substitute genuine, dynamic thought or input from Alaskans. The ability to receive and incorporate unfiltered, real-time information is critical for leadership. I will not use AI to make decisions or create policy, but I am open to its responsible use to assist in communicating and modeling data where appropriate.

I believe in using the state's resources responsibly and efficiently. AI is a tool that can support efficiency but Alaskans must be able to rely on info coming from the governor's office and trust that it’s verified. For this reason, any use of AI must be vigorously vetted. Given the widening use of this emerging technology, the governor's cabinet should follow an AI code of responsibility, if one is not currently in place. To develop this internal policy, I will ask commissioners to work with departments to identify areas where AI could create efficiency and where it should be prohibited. Of course, we will work within the bounds of the union agreement and involve the applicable union representative in the discussions. The AI code of responsibility will set out permissible uses of AI and best practices, and provide specific procedures that must be followed to verify AI-generated content.

2. Alaska has a number of high-quality news outlets. The more voices reporting on what is happening in Juneau and across the state, the greater awareness Alaskans have about decisions being made today. Growing up, news radio was my only access to the world beyond small town Alaska. For this reason I have always appreciated NPR and the number of affiliated local stations in the state. I know firsthand the lifeline these broadcasts provide to isolated communities, connecting them with the rest of the state. For example, Alaskans have live access to the Legislature because of KTOO. I support any news outlet willing to take on this work and objectively and accurately report on critical issues. This truly is a public service that I will continue to support in my next administration.

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Democrat, former state representative

1. I used to work on technology policy, which is when I first became familiar with AI. AI is a powerful tool. It has the potential to make our government much more efficient. It’s also no substitute for human judgment. I harbor deep concerns about its potential effects on our economy and society.

Put to good use, AI could help cut the bureaucratic backlogs (permitting, Medicaid and food stamps eligibility, etc.). It can help our public employees do their jobs easier and faster. But at the end of the day, it has to be people — not algorithms — making the decisions that shape our lives.

I worry the AI industry has downplayed the risks posed to the public. The federal government has been totally flat-footed. I support the efforts of several states that have stepped up and regulated the industry in the absence of federal leadership.

Ultimately, Alaskans' personal information belongs to Alaskans alone — it should be guarded carefully and not fed into third-party systems without consent. Concerns across Alaska about data centers must be respected: Our power and water are not a giveaway. No Alaskan should watch their electric bill climb to subsidize a server farm. Local communities get a say, and Alaskans’ interest should always come first.

2. I love the The Sitka Sentinel.

It’s been owned by the Poulson family since 1969. Sandy, 86, and Thad, 90, the sprightly husband-and-wife owners, still work in the office every day (!). Waiting for the paper to arrive every evening — and for stretches of time, helping deliver it — was one of my favorite parts of childhood.

Contained within: sports, Dear Abby, the comics, and (once I got older) “hard news” on the assembly and school board. While The Sentinel continues on, the demise of other papers like it gives me great concern.

Nationally, I love ProPublica and its muckraking, longform journalism (including its Alaska collabs). I admire ProPublica’s unabashed ambition to break big stories and hold people accountable. It’s a critical function for a free society.

Shelley Hughes, Republican, former state senator

1. A leader anticipates, prepares, and acts in the best interest of those they serve. This is why I authored the first AI legislation in Alaska a few years ago, recognizing early we must harness AI for good and safeguard against harm. The bill zeroed in on responsible state use to allow for streamlined workflow, transparency, human oversight/accountability, decision appeal procedures and regular review to prevent bias, errors, or misuse. AI should work for us, not against us, to improve how agencies serve Alaskans.

I would use AI to modernize operations, automate routine tasks, and deliver faster, more accurate services, freeing employees to focus on direct services to Alaskans. While AI won’t replace humans, it will change their activities from low to high value, so Alaskans will get a better bang for their buck, better response times, and better service.

We’ll implement clear governance policies to ensure data privacy protections, strict limits on how systems access/store data, defined use cases where risks and benefits are understood, and validated AI outputs.

The Hughes administration will approach AI with understanding, balancing innovation with safeguards to improve services for Alaskans while protecting the public trust.

2. Depending on focus, the two sources would change. If I want not only basic facts about happenings in Juneau, but also possible motivating factors, how individuals are or aren’t working in concert, I’ll check Alaska Landmine and Alaska Story (with full knowledge that opinion/bias are interwoven in reports). If I want facts and details about Juneau (bills, hearings, etc.), I’d check Must Read Alaska. If I want a high overview of statewide issues and happenings, I’d check the Alaska Beacon or Alaska Public Media (left-of-center perspectives) and Alaska Watchman (right-of-center perspective). For local news, I’d check local paper (ADN, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, etc.). National: Wall Street Journal and National Review. (Also Reuters and The Hill.)

Matt Claman, Democrat, state senator

1. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool with real benefits for society. Examples include adaptive learning systems that personalize education, improved healthcare through enhanced imaging and tailored treatment plans, energy optimization and sustainability via better monitoring and efficiency, and expanded accessibility through assistive technologies for people with disabilities. As governor, I will support using AI to improve the daily lives of Alaskans.

But AI also poses serious risks when used carelessly or without oversight. Strong guardrails are essential to prevent privacy violations from improper data handling, cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could expose government systems, bias and discrimination embedded in training data that could lead to unfair outcomes, and the spread of misinformation that erodes trust and manipulates public opinion.

Understanding these risks and establishing effective regulatory and statutory safeguards is critical to responsible AI governance, protecting communities, and ensuring AI strengthens — rather than destabilizes — society.

2. In-state: Alaska Public Radio (both on-air and written) and Anchorage Daily News.

National: Wall Street Journal and New York Times.

Good research and reliable reporting.

Click Bishop, Republican, former state senator

1. Artificial intelligence is already part of everyday life. Alaskans use it in business, health care, education, and across our economy. Government shouldn’t ignore it — but we also shouldn’t assume technology can replace human judgment.

In my administration, AI would be used as a tool to help government work better, not bigger. That means reducing paperwork, improving customer service, helping state employees process information more efficiently, and identifying ways to deliver services at lower cost.

But there are clear lines. AI should support decisions, not make them. Decisions affecting permits, benefits, public safety, hiring, or Alaskans’ rights must remain in human hands and be accountable.

We also need safeguards: protecting personal data, maintaining strong cybersecurity standards, requiring transparency about how AI is used, and ensuring employees verify information rather than relying on AI outputs alone.

Alaska should embrace innovation while keeping people and public trust at the center of government.

2. KRFF is my No. 1 choice because it sounds like home. That station covers my old Senate district: I know the broadcasters, you get the ice reports, good music, and you hear Alaska Native languages on air. It is hard to choose just two! Fairbanks Daily News-Miner because it is my hometown paper. Though it is hard to choose because I try to read everything from all over the state. Nationally, I watch CBS, PBS NewsHour, and BBC America – that way, I see three different spins on the same story.

Dave Bronson, Republican, former mayor of Anchorage

1. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for growth and efficiency, but it must be used wisely.

If elected, we will deploy AI to cut government waste, streamline permitting, improve rural public safety and emergency response, and boost resource development. We’ll also prepare Alaska’s workforce for AI-related opportunities.

Safeguards will include:

• No AI replacing human judgment on critical decisions.

• Strong data privacy protections.

• Rigorous cybersecurity standards.

• Full transparency and accountability.

We will use AI to make government smaller and more effective. Never bigger or more intrusive, while protecting liberty and fostering responsible innovation.

Alaska can lead through practical, results-focused application of this technology.

2. KTUU, Alaska Watchman and The Alaska Story (can’t just pick 2!). Breitbart and Fox News
   
   I prefer clear, factual and accurate reporting.

Lesil McGuire, Republican, former state senator

1. AI can help Alaska deliver better services: faster permitting, more accurate budget forecasting, predictive maintenance for state infrastructure, and improved access for rural communities. My administration would adopt three safeguards. First, every public-facing AI output must be reviewed and signed off by a qualified state employee before release. Alaska has already seen what happens when AI work goes out the door unchecked.

Second, any algorithmic decision affecting Alaskans (permits, benefits, eligibility, hiring) must have an explainable, human-appealable path.

Third, Alaska data, especially voter records and Native shareholder data, must stay protected with clear chain-of-custody rules.

I support the work of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and would build on its recommendations. Economically, Alaska's energy resources and cool climate could make us a serious data-center destination, but only paired with new generation capacity that protects residential ratepayers and rural communities first. My satellite communications background and authorship of Alaska's Renewable Energy Grant Fund give me the technical fluency and the regulatory experience to do this right.

2. In-state, I read Alaska Public Media and Anchorage Daily News combined with other statewide news sources in my news feed. ADN remains the state's paper of record with the deepest coverage of state policy, the Legislature, and rural Alaska. Alaska Public Media's reporting and Talk of Alaska give me direct community voices that don't fit into newspaper inches. Nationally, I rely on The Wall Street Journal for business and policy analysis and Reuters for straight news. I want information from outlets that distinguish reporting from opinion, show their work, and report inconvenient facts. Local journalism in Alaska is essential to democracy and good governance, and I want to be a governor who supports it.

Edna DeVries, Republican, Mat-Su borough mayor

1. Clear Rules on Transparency.

Residents should know when they are interacting with an AI system. Agencies should publish what AI tools they use and why. Any automated decision must be explainable.

Human oversight.

AI should assist, not replace, human judgment.

Require vendors to disclose training data sources.

Ban “black box” systems that cannot be audited.

Mandate cybersecurity and reliability benchmarks decisions (benefits, enforcement, licensing) must always have a human reviewer.

Public input.

Public comment periods before major AI deployments.

Advisory boards including tribal governments, rural communities, and technical experts.

And of course, I used AI to answer this question.

2. I won't say they are my favorites but I read political social media posts in state.

Out of state, very little — headlines from Fox.