Anchorage Republican Self-Funds Governor Race

February 19, 2026·5 days ago·via Alaska Beacon

Anchorage podiatrist and Republican Matt Heilala pumps nearly $1.3 million of his own money into Alaska's wide-open governor's race, making up over 94% of his massive six-figure haul from hundreds of small donors. This self-funding lets him stay independent, rejecting big-money donors who push agendas that clash with Alaska values. Fellow Republican ex-AG Treg Taylor follows suit, self-funding a third of his $880,000 total while leading external fundraising from local pros.