Why It Matters
The reversal restores a competitive field in Alaska’s gubernatorial race just days before the Division of Elections finalizes the November ballot. The decision underscores tensions between state election officials and oversight bodies regarding financial disclosure enforcement.
What Happened
Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed her earlier decision to disqualify former Attorney General Treg Taylor from the gubernatorial race, as first reported by alaskabeacon.com. On Monday, Dahlstrom had removed Taylor and state House candidate Jose Tagle from the ballot due to late financial filings, citing recommendations from the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC). However, an unpublished review from the Alaska Department of Law prompted a change in course.
Late Friday night, Dahlstrom announced she would certify Taylor as one of the final four gubernatorial candidates. Taylor replaces Candi English, his lieutenant governor running mate, in the fourth spot on the ballot. Jodi Taylor has replaced English as the lieutenant governor candidate. Dahlstrom also restored Jose Tagle to the ballot against Rep. Ted Eischeid (D-Anchorage).
The APOC had recommended disqualifying Taylor and Tagle after finding discrepancies in their financial disclosures. The commission voted 4-1 in late August to recommend Taylor’s removal, citing concerns that his disclosure form was missing hundreds of tenants from the Inlet View Tower building he and his wife purchased in 2023. Tagle was recommended for disqualification for filing a blank disclosure form.
Dahlstrom criticized the APOC for singling out only three candidates for scrutiny, stating that the recommendation appeared “arbitrary and capricious.” She noted that the Department of Law conducted an independent review of candidates’ personal financial disclosures and found “numerous potential discrepancies” between filed statements and public records. This broader review led Dahlstrom to conclude that the APOC’s focus on Taylor and Tagle was inconsistent.
Taylor registered as a candidate on June 1. State law allows 30 days for financial disclosure amendments, and Taylor amended his form in late July with partial renter names. Despite this, the APOC proceeded with its disqualification recommendation. Dahlstrom adopted both recommendations on Aug. 31 but reversed course after receiving the Department of Law’s findings.
By the Numbers
4-1 — APOC vote count to recommend Taylor’s disqualification
30 days — Time allowed by state law for financial disclosure amendments
5 p.m. — Deadline for Division of Elections to finalize November ballot
Aug. 31 — Date Dahlstrom originally adopted APOC’s disqualification recommendations
Sept. 18 — Start date for mailing general election ballots
Zoom Out
The controversy highlights broader questions about the consistency of financial disclosure enforcement in Alaska elections. While Taylor and Tagle faced scrutiny, concerns also arose regarding Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson’s undisclosed ownership of Denali Disposal. No formal complaint had been filed against Wilson before the primary, raising questions about selective enforcement.
Alaska’s top-four primary system means the four candidates with the most votes advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D) finished first in the August primary, followed by Bernadette Wilson (R), Dave Bronson (R), and Treg Taylor. The state has seen increased attention on election integrity and transparency following recent changes to campaign finance laws.
Taylor previously called on Republican candidates to consolidate their campaigns, arguing that a unified front would strengthen the party’s chances. His reinstatement adds complexity to the general election dynamics, particularly as Alaska voters prepare for a closely contested race.
What’s Next
The Division of Elections must finalize the November ballot by 5 p.m. on Friday. Ballots for the general election will begin mailing on Sept. 18. The APOC did not hold a special meeting to reconsider its decision before the deadline, leaving Dahlstrom’s reversal as the final word on Taylor and Tagle’s ballot status.
Taylor responded to his reinstatement by emphasizing voter choice: “Alaskans should decide our elections. Not political insiders. Not special interests. Not the establishment.” The campaign now shifts focus to the November general election, where voters will choose among the four certified candidates, as first reported by the Alaska Beacon.