Gubernatorial Candidates Pledged to Reside in Juneau
Three candidates promised to live in the state mansion if elected, amid debates over the future of Alaska government operations.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Three candidates for governor pledged to live in the historic Juneau mansion if elected to office. This commitment comes as candidates addressed concerns regarding the shift of state government jobs to Anchorage.
Why it matters
The pledge highlights the ongoing debate over the location of state government infrastructure and the preservation of the capital's role. It directly impacts the maintenance and utilization of a state property that requires significant annual taxpayer funding.
The governor's mansion features 26 rooms, 10 bathrooms, and 8 fireplaces, currently costing $800,000 annually in upkeep and staff salaries. This follows the eight-year tenure of outgoing Governor Mike Dunleavy.
The players
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
A candidate for governor who pledged to reside in the state mansion.
Bernadette Wilson
A gubernatorial candidate who plans to register as a Juneau voter this December.
Dave Bronson
A candidate for governor who promised to live in the capital if elected.
Mike Dunleavy
The outgoing Governor of Alaska who completed an eight-year term.
The details
The mansion's maintenance requires a high level of logistical coordination given its size and age. Candidates Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Bernadette Wilson, and Dave Bronson made the pledge at a Juneau Chamber of Commerce forum in response to concerns about capital creep, where state functions increasingly move from Juneau to Anchorage. A Fairbanks lawmaker previously proposed a bill to convert the property into a short-term rental to address these usage concerns.
Timeline
Wednesday: Candidates participated in the gubernatorial forum.
November 3: General election polls close at 8 p.m.
December: Bernadette Wilson plans to register as a Juneau voter.
The Home Front
This development follows a previous legislative effort to reclassify the mansion as a short-term rental. The candidates' pledges reflect a broader political tension regarding the maintenance of high-cost state facilities in the capital city.
Residents should monitor local government budget reports to see how the mansion's $800,000 annual maintenance costs are allocated under the new administration. Those interested in state property oversight can review public filings regarding the upkeep of capital infrastructure.
The takeaway
The candidate pledges emphasize the importance of keeping state leadership physically present in the capital. Residents should monitor the official results on November 3 to see which candidate takes office and implements their housing plan.
What happens next
General election polls close on November 3 at 8 p.m. Bernadette Wilson has scheduled her voter registration change for December.
Further reading
Learn more about local property maintenance trends in Home Cleaning.
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Should governors be required to live in the state capital while in office?
