The Northern Ledger

The Northern Ledger with host John Quick welcomes Zac Johnson, a former Marine, Anchorage Assembly member, and candidate for Alaska lieutenant governor, for a conversation about the life experiences that shaped his politics.

Johnson talks about being born in Alaska and spending part of his early life in a cabin near Turnagain Arm with no running water, then later serving in the Marine Corps and returning to Alaska as an adult. He explains how he went from community council meetings to the Anchorage Assembly, why he sees himself as politically independent, and how he thinks about gun rights, education, and the role of government.

John also asks Johnson about the gas line, election trust, working with the legislature, and what conservatives and small-government voters should know about him before deciding who to support.

On The Northern Ledger, host John Quick talks with JKT after his first-place primary finish about the governor’s race, Alaska’s future, and the issues voters are watching closely. JKT talks about the work behind his campaign, traveling across all 19 boroughs, going down the Yukon River, and what it felt like to come out on top after earlier polling showed him far behind.

JKT lays out his approach to governing, including his idea for a blended cabinet made up of Republicans, independents, and Democrats, with a focus on competence over party labels. He also talks through his position on the Alaska gas line, saying he supports the project if it makes financial sense, while raising concerns about transparency around state commitments, contracts, and major development deals.

John also asks about press access, AI, data centers, energy, and how Alaska should handle new technology and new industry responsibly. JKT closes with the pace of the campaign, powerlifting, YouTube clips, and why he says he wants to help “put Alaska back together again.”

On this episode of The Northern Ledger, host John Quick welcomes back Alaska attorney, political strategist, and former gubernatorial chief of staff Scott Kendall for a wide-ranging conversation about Alaska politics.

The interview was recorded shortly before the primary and before the third special session ended without action on the gas line bill. While some circumstances have changed, Scott’s analysis provides an interesting snapshot of the governor’s race, the gas line debate, and the political forces shaping Alaska.

John and Scott also discuss the United States Senate race between incumbent U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and former U.S. Congresswoman Mary Peltola, Anchorage Assembly travel and ethics questions, campaign-finance rules, open primaries, and ranked-choice voting.

Title: Alaska’s Election Is Heading for Chaos with Suzanne Downing

Description: On this episode of The Northern Ledger, host John Quick sits down with his friend Suzanne Downing—by far the most popular and influential conservative voice in Alaska. As publisher of The Alaska Story, Suzanne has become a trusted source for Alaskans who want the news and political analysis they will not get from the mainstream media.

Suzanne explains why the governor’s race has become a potential disaster for Republicans. With Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor still competing against one Democrat, she warns that Republican infighting and confusion surrounding ranked-choice voting could hand the governor’s office to JKT. She also discusses what that outcome could mean for the gas line, business investment, new taxes, and Alaska’s relationship with the Trump administration.

John and Suzanne also examine Senator Dan Sullivan’s fight against Mary Peltola, the millions in outside money pouring into Alaska, the Democratic ground operation spreading through rural communities, and the controversy surrounding decoy candidates. Suzanne explains why she believes Sullivan will survive the toughest campaign of his career and why Congressman Nick Begich’s work ethic, legislative record, and accessibility have made him one of Alaska’s strongest elected officials.

The conversation closes with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s legacy and the extraordinary rise of The Alaska Story. In just 11 months, Suzanne has built Alaska’s most popular conservative news outlet, reached millions of people through social media, attracted nearly 23,000 followers, and climbed to No. 65 among all news publications on Substack worldwide. This is an unfiltered look at Alaska politics, media, and the battle over the state’s future.

Check out The Alasak Story at: https://thealaskastory.com/

Alaska Family Council President Jim Minnery joins host Jonathan Quick to discuss the intersection of faith, politics, and culture in Alaska. The conversation explores Alaska Family Council's mission, the role of Christians in public life, religious liberty, school choice, and the cultural issues shaping Alaska today.

Jonathan and Jim also discuss Governor Mike Dunleavy's legacy, Alaska's race for governor, the pro-life movement, and why Minnery believes lasting change happens through both public policy and cultural engagement. They also reflect on the goals behind the Alaska March for Life, current legislative battles, and the importance of staying engaged in the public square.

Whether you're interested in public policy, religious liberty, or the future of Alaska, this episode offers an inside look at one of the state's longest-serving faith-based organizations and the issues shaping Alaska's political and cultural landscape.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche returns to the show for an in-depth conversation with host Jonathan Quick about leadership, local government, and why the Kenai Peninsula Borough has become a model for fiscal responsibility in Alaska. Together, they explore Micciche's philosophy of government, his focus on delivering high-quality services at the lowest possible cost, lowering the borough's mill rate, returning money to taxpayers, and creating a government that works for its citizens—not the other way around.

Jonathan and Peter also take a deep dive into some of the biggest issues facing the Kenai Peninsula today, including education funding, school closures, homeschooling, the relationship between the borough and the school district, town hall meetings, and why Micciche believes government leaders should be accessible, transparent, and willing to have difficult conversations directly with the public. Throughout the discussion, Micciche shares the practical decision-making process behind many of the borough's recent initiatives and why he believes transparency and accountability are essential to earning the public's trust.

The conversation also explores the future of the Alaska LNG Project, where it stands today, the opportunities it could create for Alaska's economy, energy security, and thousands of future jobs. Drawing on nearly four decades in the LNG industry, Micciche explains why this moment may represent the best opportunity yet for the project to move forward and what success could mean for the Kenai Peninsula and the entire state.

Finally, Micciche discusses the importance of citizen involvement in local government, encourages Alaskans to serve on local boards and commissions, and shares his long-term vision for preserving everything that makes the Kenai Peninsula a great place to live while creating new opportunities for future generations. It's a thoughtful conversation with one of Alaska's most experienced public servants about the challenges, opportunities, and future of the Last Frontier.

Check it out here: https://www.kpb.us/local-governance-and-permitting/voting-elections/voting-elections-overview

Alaska State Representative Sarah Vance joins host Jonathan Quick for a wide-ranging conversation about her political journey, from defeating a 16-year incumbent despite being given less than a one percent chance of victory to serving four terms in the Alaska Legislature. She reflects on the challenges of representing one of Alaska's most politically diverse districts, working across party lines, and balancing principle with compromise.

The conversation also explores two of her most significant legislative efforts: a new law targeting AI-generated child sexual abuse material and legislation strengthening Alaska's age of consent laws to better protect minors from exploitation. Vance discusses the years-long effort behind both bills, the bipartisan cooperation required to get them passed, and why she believes protecting vulnerable children should rise above politics.

On this episode of The Northern Ledger, host John Quick talks with Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins about growing up in Southeast Alaska, leaving Yale to come home and run for the Alaska State House, helping start Outer Coast College, and why he is now running for governor.

The conversation also covers his role in helping start Outer Coast, his broader work in Alaska, and why he has now decided to run for governor. It is a conversation about roots, conviction, leadership, and what it means to build a future in Alaska.

Check out his site here: https://www.jktforak.com/
Check out Outer Coast here: https://outercoast.org/

In this episode of The Northern Ledger, host John Quick sits down with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy for a wide-ranging and in-depth conversation centered on his working relationship with President Donald Trump and how that alignment has shaped Alaska’s strategy on energy development, economic growth, and federal-state cooperation.

Governor Dunleavy explains how Alaska’s relationship with President Trump has elevated the state’s priorities on the national stage, particularly around resource development, regulatory reform, and unlocking Alaska’s economic potential. He shares insight into how that partnership has strengthened Alaska’s position in Washington and created momentum for projects that had previously faced federal resistance.

A major focus is the Alaska LNG pipeline project, described as one of the largest and most consequential energy infrastructure projects in the world. Governor Dunleavy outlines what the project means for long-term job creation, energy security, and Alaska’s role as a supplier in global energy markets.

The LNG project is framed as part of a broader strategy to move Alaska from boom-and-bust cycles toward sustained economic stability, positioning the state as a reliable energy partner for domestic and international markets.

Education reform and workforce development remain central themes. Governor Dunleavy discusses challenges in Alaska’s education system and steps taken to improve outcomes for students and families.

He addresses the Reads Act, statewide literacy initiatives, and the role of charter schools in providing parents more options while driving performance through competition and accountability. Education reform is framed as a core economic strategy tied directly to Alaska’s future workforce and competitiveness.

Public safety is another priority, with Governor Dunleavy outlining efforts to reduce crime in Anchorage and across Alaska. He describes coordinated approaches between state and local leaders, strategic partnerships, and policy changes aimed at improving safety for families and businesses.

Public safety is linked to economic confidence, emphasizing that safe communities are essential for attracting investment, supporting small businesses, and creating an environment where families and employers can thrive.

On economic development, Governor Dunleavy details his administration’s focus on diversifying Alaska’s economy, encouraging private sector investment, and maintaining fiscal discipline.

He explains how regulatory reform, pro-business policies, and predictable fiscal management are designed to create a climate where entrepreneurs and job creators can operate with confidence. He also addresses reducing reliance on volatile revenue cycles to build a more resilient economic foundation.

Strong federal relationships remain a consistent thread, particularly the partnership with President Trump. Governor Dunleavy explains how alignment on energy and regulatory policy has translated into tangible benefits for Alaska.

These benefits include faster project approvals, stronger advocacy for Alaska’s interests, and greater leverage in federal decision-making, helping move major projects and policy priorities forward.

Governor Dunleavy shares his outlook for Alaska’s future and the significance of upcoming elections. He outlines his vision for where the state is headed and why continued leadership on energy, education, public safety, and economic policy will be critical to Alaska’s long-term success.

This provides a comprehensive look at how Alaska’s leadership is working at both the state and national levels to advance a pro-growth, pro-energy, and pro-opportunity agenda, and why the Trump-Dunleavy alignment has played a central role in shaping that strategy.

Join host John Quick as he sits down with Dr. Matt Heilala, a foot and ankle surgeon and candidate in Alaska’s gubernatorial race, to discuss his background and what led him to seek public office. Dr. Heilala reflects on growing up in Alaska, his years working as a commercial fisherman, and how those experiences shaped his path into medicine.

The conversation also explores his interest in public service, his perspective on the challenges facing Alaska, and how his experience in healthcare and business informs his approach to leadership. This episode offers listeners a closer look at one candidate’s motivations, priorities, and perspective in the race for governor.

Check Dr. Matt out here: https://matt4governor.com/