Candice English becomes new fourth candidate in governor’s race just before deadline

Last-day shakeups redefine final four candidates for ranked choice general election

Candice English speaks in a campaign video after being named the running mate to former Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor, who was disqualified from the governor’s race on Monday. (Screenshot from official campaign video)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

This is a developing story.

Candice English was elevated from little-known running mate to the fourth candidate to be Alaska’s next governor with a series of unusual moves that ended just before the 5 p.m. Monday deadline for candidates to drop out of the race.

English, a businesswoman and first-time Republican candidate, was running for lieutenant governor on a ticket headed by former state Attorney General Treg Taylor until he was disqualifed for the ballot on Monday by the Alaska Division of Elections due to campaign finance violations. English, needing to name a running mate by 5 p.m. to remain on the ticket, added Jodi Taylor — Treg Taylor’s wife — at almost literally the last moment.

The Alaska Landmine, which posted photos of English at the elections office just before the deadline, reported Jodi Taylor’s financial disclosure form was filed at 4:58 p.m. The elections division confirmed her status as a candidate in an email at about 5:40 p.m.

The Anchorage Daily News on Monday described English as a little-known candidate who kept a low profile during the primary.

Those moves largely negated the last-minute move by another candidate, former state Sen. Click Bishop, who announced he and running mate Greta Schuerch were suspending their campaign minutes before the 5 p.m. Monday deadline.

A statement by his campaign did not specify the reasons for dropping out, except to "do what’s right for Alaska." Campaign Manager Shannon Mason, when asked by the Juneau Independent on Monday if Bishop is endorsing anyone, said "more of that to come this week, if he is going to."

Both Treg Taylor, who finished fifth in the Aug. 18 primary, and Bishop, who finished sixth, saw their chances to advance to the general election improve when second-place finisher Democrat Tom Begich dropped out last Friday.

Former state Sen. Click Bishop, right, and running mate Greta Schuerch, in an official campaign photo before their withdrawal from the governor’s race on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.

Three of the four slots in the governor’s race are set with Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and Republicans Bernadette Wilson and Dave Bronson. The field is not final since Treg Taylor can still file a court challenge to his disqualification.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.