Bernadette
M. Wilson / Michael K. Shower

A commentary piece argued that one governor candidate needs to 'repeat math class,' raising questions about the fiscal accuracy of Wilson's stated positions on the budget and Permanent Fund dividend formula.

Bronson publicly criticized Wilson and Republican party leaders, calling the party as having 'failed.' Wilson's camp reiterated its call for Bronson and Taylor to drop out. Bronson and Taylor said they would rank each other second; Wilson did not say whether she would rank another candidate. No major endorsement from Gov. Dunleavy, the Alaska GOP Central Committee, or Trump had been reported.

Following the Oct. 8 debate, in which Bronson criticized Wilson over her record of unpaid bills, Bronson expanded his attacks and called Wilson 'emotionally unfit to be in office.' Wilson's campaign chair Craig Campbell responded by calling Bronson 'desperate' and citing his weaker fundraising and polling. These are the candidates' and campaign's claims, not independent findings.

At the televised Debate for the State, Wilson called for government audits, a 'state of the budget' address, and a formula-based Permanent Fund dividend. She opposed new taxes, declined to support increased education funding without evidence of improved outcomes, and proposed using AI for individualized learning plans.

Alaska Public Media reported that a gubernatorial candidate settled a campaign finance complaint with state regulators. APOC staff had recommended that Wilson's customer list disclosure was not required based on her affidavit, though broader complaints about her disclosures remained under consideration.

An Alaska pollster revealed that Bernadette Wilson had led the Republican candidates in every one of his 15 polls of the governor's race.

Campaign finance reports showed Wilson raised just over $526,000 and had about $200,000 on hand, leading the Republican candidates. Democrat Kreiss-Tomkins reported raising $2.1 million since early August, more than all three Republicans combined.

National Republicans sent $1.6 million to Kodiak PAC, a group supporting Republican candidates, after Democrats boosted JKT. This was not a direct endorsement of Wilson/Shower.

Reporting detailed that a complaint challenged whether Wilson should have disclosed Denali Disposal customers and her 75% ownership interest. APOC staff recommended the customer list was not required based on her account, but the commission was still considering complaints about her disclosures as of this date.

The New York Times reported results of its Times/Siena poll showing Kreiss-Tomkins leading with 40% initial support vs. Wilson's 20%. In the ranked-choice simulation, Kreiss-Tomkins defeated Wilson 52%–48% in the final round.

Court records documented that judges ordered Wilson and Denali Disposal to pay $74,807 after three businesses sued over unpaid bills between 2019 and 2024. The report described returned checks and garnishment of Permanent Fund dividends. Wilson's campaign attributed some debts to the pandemic, though one suit predated it. The Shoreside Petroleum debt was reportedly paid off in September 2025.

The New York Times/Siena poll surveyed 504 likely voters. Initial preferences: Kreiss-Tomkins 40%, Wilson 20%, Bronson 15%, Taylor 11%. In the poll's ranked-choice simulation, Kreiss-Tomkins defeated Wilson 52%–48% in the final round. Wilson led among Republican candidates in initial preferences. These are poll results, not election results.

In response to a complaint challenging her financial disclosures, Wilson submitted a Sept. 21 affidavit to Alaska's campaign regulator (APOC) stating she did not deal with customers of Denali Disposal, her garbage company in which she holds a 75% ownership interest.

Wilson publicly called on Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor to suspend their campaigns, arguing the divided Republican field weakened the party's chances against Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.

Wilson and state Sen. Michael K. Shower finished third among 17 gubernatorial tickets in the Aug. 18 primary, receiving 16,468 votes (10.02%). Official results were certified Aug. 31. They advanced to the Nov. 3 general election alongside Bronson/Church, Kreiss-Tomkins/Johnson, and Taylor/English.