Former Alaska Gov. Bill Walker wants to boost development, stabilize finances and pay a dividend

August 14, 2026 - 17:28

Former Alaska Governor Bill Walker is making another run for the state's top job, and this time he is bringing a familiar face along for the ride. Walker, who left office in 2018, has teamed up with running mate Randy Hoffbeck, and the pair sat down for a wide-ranging interview as part of a series featuring the leading candidates in the August 18 primary.

Walker's platform centers on three main pillars: boosting resource development, getting the state's finances back on solid ground, and finally resolving the long-running debate over the Permanent Fund dividend. He argues that Alaska has been treading water for too long, and that the state needs a leader who can make tough calls without getting bogged down in partisan fights.

On the development front, Walker is pushing for a more aggressive approach to oil and gas, as well as mining and other industries. He says the state cannot rely on federal money or one-off windfalls to fix its budget gap. Instead, he wants to create a predictable environment for investors and cut through the red tape that he believes has stalled major projects.

When it comes to the budget, Walker is not shy about the scale of the problem. He says the state is still spending more than it takes in, and that the savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve, is not a permanent solution. He is calling for a mix of spending cuts and new revenue measures, though he stops short of endorsing a statewide income tax. He does say that all options need to be on the table, and that the state needs to stop kicking the can down the road.

The dividend is perhaps the most sensitive issue. Walker knows that Alaskans feel strongly about the annual check from the Permanent Fund, but he also says the current formula is not sustainable. He is proposing a compromise that would tie the dividend to a percentage of the fund's earnings, rather than the old statutory formula that has created huge swings in recent years. He argues that this would provide a stable, predictable payment while still protecting the fund for future generations.

Walker also touched on the need to address the state's high energy costs, improve the ferry system, and rebuild trust in state government. He acknowledged that his previous term was marked by a difficult budget battle and a controversial decision to halt the gasline project, but he says he learned from those experiences and is ready to lead again.

The interview covered a lot of ground, and Walker made it clear that he sees himself as the pragmatic choice in a crowded field. He is not promising quick fixes, but he is promising to be honest about the trade-offs. Whether that message resonates with voters remains to be seen, but Walker is clearly betting that Alaskans are ready for a steady hand with a clear plan.