The2014 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 2014, to elect thegovernor andlieutenant governor ofAlaska , concurrently with theelection of Alaska'sClass II U.S. Senate seat , as well asother elections to the United States Senate in other states andelections to theUnited States House of Representatives and variousstate andlocal elections .
IncumbentRepublican governorSean Parnell ran for re-election to a second full term in office, but incumbentlieutenant governor Mead Treadwell instead chose to run for the U.S. Senate.Primary elections were held on August 19, 2014, to determine party nominees for the office, with separate primaries held for governor and lieutenant governor and the winners running together on the same ticket.
Parnell was renominated; his running mate wasAnchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan .[ 1] Democrats nominated businessman and former executive director of theAlaska Permanent Fund Byron Mallott , whose running mate was State SenatorHollis French . Also running as an independent was former Republican mayor ofValdez Bill Walker , whose running mate was Craig Fleener, the former deputy commissioner of theAlaska Department of Fish and Game .
On September 2, 2014, Walker and Mallott merged their campaigns to appear on the November ballot as a single independent ticket, which the Alaska Democratic Party endorsed. On this ticket, Walker ran for governor with Mallott as his running mate. Both candidates' former running mates withdrew.[ 2] The Cook Political Report Governing The Rothenberg Political Report Sabato's Crystal Ball Daily Kos Elections , and others was that the contest was a tossup. Former Republican governorSarah Palin , who had praised Parnell as her successor when she resigned in 2009, endorsed Walker and Mallott, taking issue with Parnell's tax cuts for the oil and gas industry.
On November 7, Walker and Mallott held a 3,165-vote lead,[ 3] [ 4] [ 5] [ 6] [ 7] [ 8] [ 9] [ 10] [ 11] [ 12] [ 13] Mark Begich 's defeat in theU.S. Senate election – marked just the fifth time in the last 50 years in which an incumbent governor and senator from different political parties were defeated in the same state in the same election cycle.[ 14] [ a]
Hypothetical polling
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Bill Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 20] July 25–28, 2013 507 ± 4.4% 60% 22% 18%
Republican primary results[ 21] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Sean Parnell (incumbent) 80,903 75.86 Republican Russ Millette 11,296 10.59 Republican Brad Snowden 10,594 9.93 Republican Gerald L. "Tap" Heikes 3,855 3.61 Total votes 106,648 100
Lieutenant governor [ edit ] Republican primary results[ 21] Party Candidate Votes % Republican Dan Sullivan 74,758 70.70 Republican Kelly Wolf 30,985 29.30 Total votes 105,743 100
[ edit ] Candidates from theAlaska Democratic Party ,Alaska Libertarian Party andAlaskan Independence Party appear on the same ballot, with the highest-placed candidate from each party receiving that party's nomination.
Democratic candidates [ edit ] Libertarian candidates [ edit ] Carolyn Clift, treasurer of the Alaska Libertarian Party[ 15] Democratic–Libertarian–Independence primary results[ 21] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Byron Mallott 42,327 66.89 Democratic Phil Stoddard 10,514 16.62 Libertarian Carolyn Clift 10,436 16.49 Total votes 63,277 100
Lieutenant governor [ edit ] Democratic candidates [ edit ] Libertarian candidates [ edit ] Andrew C. Lee, gold miner[ 34] Democratic–Libertarian–Independence primary results[ 21] Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Hollis French 40,271 62.08 Democratic Bob Williams 16,358 25.22 Libertarian Andrew C. Lee 8,238 12.70 Total votes 64,867 100
Running mate: Maria Rensel[ 36] Parnell drew criticism during his re-election campaign over his support of billions in tax reductions for thepetrochemical industry as well an exploding scandal featuring five years of alleged cover ups with regard to rampant sexual abuse, cronyism, corruption and whistleblower suppression, in theAlaska National Guard .[ 38] [ 39] [ 40]
In October 2014, former Alaska GovernorSarah Palin endorsed Walker and Mallott. The endorsement was prompted by Parnell's oil and gas industry tax cuts, which dismantled her administration's "Alaska's Clear and Equitable Share" (ACES) plan. She had previously supported a referendum to repeal the tax cuts, which was narrowly defeated[ 41] [ 42]
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Byron Bill Other Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 47] November 1–2, 2014 1,052 ± 3% 45% — 46% 4%[ 48] 5% 47% — 48% — 6% Rasmussen Reports [ 49] October 27–30, 2014 887 ± 4% 43% — 50% — 7% CBS News /NYT /YouGov [ 50] October 16–23, 2014 561 ± 9% 42% — 39% 0% 20% Hellenthal & Associates [ 51] October 15–21, 2014 403 ± 4.88% 44% — 43% 5%[ 52] 9% Rasmussen Reports [ 49] October 8–12, 2014 700 ± 4% 41% — 50% 2% 7% Fox News [ 53] October 4–7, 2014 706 ± 3.5% 42% — 37% 8%[ 54] 13% CNN /ORC [ 55] October 1–6, 2014 704 LV ± 3.5% 45% — 51% — 3% 875 RV ± 3.4% 46% — 49% 1% 5% Hickman Analytics [ 56] September 26 – October 2, 2014 400 ± 4.9% 46% — 38% 7%[ 57] 10% CBS News /NYT /YouGov [ 58] September 20 – October 1, 2014 593 ± 5% 40% — 45% 1% 14% Rasmussen Reports [ 49] September 23–24, 2014 713 ± 4% 42% — 47% 5% 6% Public Policy Polling [ 59] September 18–21, 2014 880 ± 3.3% 41% — 42% 5%[ 60] 13% 41% — 45% — 14% Hays Research /AFL-CIO [ 61] September 13–14, 2014 500 ± 4.38% 30% — 37% 33% Hays Research *[ 62] August 20–22, 2014 474 ± 4.5% 40% — 43% — 15% Rasmussen Reports [ 49] August 20–21, 2014 750 ± 4% 47% 36% — 11% 6% Public Policy Polling [ 63] July 31 – August 1, 2014 673 ± 3.8% 37% 22% 20% 5%[ 64] 16% 48% 37% — — 14% 41% — 40% — 19% CBS News /NYT /YouGov [ 65] July 5–24, 2014 450 ± 5.2% 55% 29% — 6% 8% Public Policy Polling [ 66] May 8–11, 2014 582 ± 4.1% 37% 27% 17% 4%[ 67] 15% Public Policy Polling [ 68] January 30 – February 1, 2014 850 ± 3.4% 41% 25% 16% 3%[ 67] 15%
* Internal poll for Bill Walker campaign Hypothetical polling
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Hollis Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 20] July 25–28, 2013 890 ± 3.3% 54% 33% 13%
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Les Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 20] July 25–28, 2013 890 ± 3.3% 53% 33% 14%
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Scott Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 69] February 4–5, 2013 1,129 ± 2.9% 52% 34% 15%
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Mike Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 69] February 4–5, 2013 1,129 ± 2.9% 51% 29% 20%
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean Joe Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 69] February 4–5, 2013 1,129 ± 2.9% 51% 25% 24%
Poll source Date(s) Sample Margin of Sean BillWielechowski (D) Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 20] July 25–28, 2013 890 ± 3.3% 52% 33% 15%
Boroughs and census areas that flipped from Republican to Independent [ edit ] Boroughs and census areas that flipped from Democratic to Independent [ edit ] Elections in Alaska:
^ Not to be confused with former commissioner of theAlaska Department of Natural Resources Dan Sullivan who ran as the Republican nominee in the U.S. Senate election which was held at the same time. ^ "Walker, Mallott to join forces in governor's race" . Alaska Dispatch News. September 1, 2014.Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 2, 2014 .^ "In governor's race, Walker has edge -- or maybe not" . Alaska Dispatch News. November 6, 2014.Archived from the original on November 7, 2014. RetrievedNovember 7, 2014 .^ "Highs, lows for campaigns as votes are tallied in Alaska election" . Alaska Dispatch News. November 11, 2014.Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. RetrievedNovember 12, 2014 .^ "Parnell says race isn't over as Walker moves ahead with transition planning" . Alaska Dispatch News. November 12, 2014.Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. RetrievedNovember 14, 2014 .^ "Governor's race uncalled; Walker plans transition" .Alaska Journal . 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RetrievedNovember 14, 2014 .^ "Unity ticket defeats Alaska GOP Gov. Sean Parnell in drawn-out race" .Los Angeles Times . November 15, 2014.Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. RetrievedNovember 14, 2014 .^ "Parnell concedes governor's race" .Alaska Dispatch News . November 15, 2014.Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. RetrievedNovember 27, 2014 .^ Ostermeier, Eric (November 19, 2014)."Mark Begich and Sean Parnell Join Small Group in Defeat" .Smart Politics .Archived from the original on July 8, 2015. RetrievedJuly 12, 2015 . ^a b c d "2014 Primary Official Candidate List" .Alaska Secretary of State . Archived fromthe original on June 30, 2014. RetrievedJune 4, 2014 .^ "Ousted GOP leader plans run for governor" .Anchorage Daily News Associated Press . May 23, 2014. Archived fromthe original on May 26, 2014. RetrievedMay 25, 2014 .^ Forgey, Pat (May 4, 2013)."Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell to seek re-election in 2014" . Alaska Dispatch. Archived fromthe original on October 17, 2013. RetrievedOctober 16, 2013 . ^a b Thiessen, Mark (April 25, 2013)."Walker announces 2014 run for Alaska governor" .Anchorage Daily News . Archived fromthe original on April 29, 2013. RetrievedApril 26, 2013 . ^a b "Walker planning to run as independent for Alaska governor" .Newsminer . August 1, 2013. RetrievedAugust 5, 2013 .^a b c d e "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on August 9, 2013. RetrievedJuly 30, 2013 .^a b c d "2014 Primary Elections August 19, 2014 Official Results" . State of Alaska Division of Elections.Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. RetrievedSeptember 8, 2014 .^ Gonzales, Nathan L. (May 23, 2013)."Anchorage Mayor Not Running in Alaska Senate Race" .The Rothenberg Political Report .Archived from the original on July 19, 2013. RetrievedMay 25, 2013 . ^ "Assembly Member Running for Lieutenant Governor" .Anchorage Daily News Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. RetrievedMay 16, 2014 .^ Hopkins, Kyle (June 5, 2013)."McGuire files to run for lieutenant governor" .Anchorage Daily News the original on June 9, 2013. RetrievedJune 10, 2013 . ^ "McGuire withdraws from lieutenant governor race just before filing deadline" .Anchorage Daily News the original on June 6, 2014. RetrievedJune 4, 2014 .^ DeMarban, Alex (September 3, 2013)."Byron Mallot announces decision to run for Alaska governor" .Alaska Dispatch the original on December 14, 2013. RetrievedSeptember 3, 2013 . ^a b John Aronno (October 16, 2013)."Hollis French Swaps Roles, 2014 Gubernatorial Field Likely Set" . Alaska Commons. Archived fromthe original on November 5, 2013. RetrievedNovember 5, 2013 . ^ Miller, Mark D. (May 6, 2013)."Treadwell ramps up for Senate after Parnell announcement" .Juneau Empire . Archived fromthe original on June 7, 2013. RetrievedMay 8, 2013 . ^ "Gara decides to seek re-election to Alaska House" .Anchorage Daily News the original on August 31, 2013. RetrievedAugust 23, 2013 .^ Caldwell, Suzanna (April 3, 2013)."Less is more as former Senate candidate Scott McAdams sheds 100 pounds" . Alaska Dispatch. Archived fromthe original on October 16, 2013. RetrievedOctober 16, 2013 . ^ "Wielechowski taking look at governor's race" . News Miner. Associated Press. May 29, 2013.Archived from the original on July 2, 2018. RetrievedMay 30, 2013 .^ Scott Rhode (June 3, 2014)."Ten Observations About 2014 Candidates" .KENI .Archived from the original on June 7, 2014. RetrievedJune 4, 2014 . ^ "Sen. Lesil McGuire withdrawing from lieutenant gov's race" . KTOO. June 3, 2014. Archived fromthe original on June 7, 2014. RetrievedJune 4, 2014 .^ "Loose Lips: Establishment finds its West Anchorage candidate, drafting Palin, Gattis nabs Bickford" . Amanda Coyne. May 20, 2014.Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. RetrievedJune 4, 2014 .^ Redlich, Warren (October 1, 2013)."Constitution Party Candidate for Alaska" . Independent Political Report.Archived from the original on October 7, 2013. RetrievedOctober 16, 2013 . ^ "November 4, 2014 General Election Candidate List" .Alaska Secretary of State . Archived fromthe original on August 20, 2014. RetrievedAugust 22, 2014 .^ Demer, Lisa (October 14, 2013)."Walker chooses Fleener as running mate in independent bid for governor" .Alaska Dispatch News .Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. RetrievedJuly 24, 2014 . ^ Parnell defends handling alaska national guard dysfunction, plans more firings Archived October 3, 2014, at theWayback Machine ,Alaska Dispatch News , Jill Burke and Richard Mauer, October 2, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.^ Parnell waited years to take direct action on National Guard misconduct Archived October 2, 2014, at theWayback Machine ,Alaska Dispatch News , Jill Burke and Richard Mauer, October 1, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.^ Debate draws standing-room-only crowd Archived June 2, 2015, at theWayback Machine ,KTUU , Caslon Hatch. July 23, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.^ "Alaska Oil Tax Cuts Veto Referendum, Ballot Measure 1 (August 2014)" .Ballotpedia .Archived from the original on August 20, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 16, 2026 .^ "Palin Endorses Independent-Democratic Ticket for Alaska Governor Against GOP Successor" .National Journal . October 23, 2014. Archived fromthe original on October 24, 2014. RetrievedOctober 24, 2014 .^ "2014 Governor Race Ratings for November 3, 2014" .The Cook Political Report . RetrievedSeptember 4, 2018 .^ "The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks" .Sabato's Crystal Ball . November 3, 2014.Archived from the original on July 24, 2018. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2018 .^ "2014 Gubernatorial Ratings" .Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report.Archived from the original on September 4, 2018. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2018 .^ "2014 Elections Map - 2014 Governors Races" . Real Clear Politics.Archived from the original on September 4, 2018. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2018 .^ "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on November 3, 2014. RetrievedNovember 3, 2014 .^ Carolyn Clift (L) 2%, J.R. Myers (I) 2% ^a b c d "Election 2014: Alaska Governor" .rasmussenreports.com .Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 16, 2026 .^ "CBS News/NYT/YouGov" .Archived from the original on October 27, 2014. RetrievedOctober 27, 2014 .^ "Client Challenge" .Archived from the original on October 31, 2014. RetrievedOctober 26, 2014 – via Scribd.^ Carolyn Clift (L) 4%, J.R. Myers (I) 1% ^ "Fox News Poll: GOP candidate Sullivan has 44-40 percent advantage over Dem Sen. Begich in Alaska" . October 8, 2014.Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. RetrievedOctober 9, 2014 .^ Carolyn Clift (L) 4%, J.R. Myers (I) 1%, Other 3% ^ "CNN/ORC" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on October 12, 2014. RetrievedOctober 9, 2014 .^ Hickman Analytics ^ Carolyn Clift (L) 5%, J.R. Myers (I) 2% ^ "CBS News/NYT/YouGov" .Archived from the original on October 12, 2014. RetrievedOctober 10, 2014 .^ "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on September 24, 2015. RetrievedSeptember 23, 2014 .^ Carolyn Clift (L) 3%, J.R. Myers (I) 2% ^ "Hays Research/AFL-CIO" .Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 8, 2017 .^ "Hays Research*" .Archived from the original on August 28, 2014. RetrievedAugust 28, 2014 .^ "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on August 8, 2014. RetrievedAugust 5, 2014 .^ Carolyn Clift (L) 3%, J.R. Myers (C) 2% ^ "CBS News/NYT/YouGov" .Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. RetrievedJuly 28, 2014 .^ "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on May 14, 2014. RetrievedMay 13, 2014 .^a b J.R. Myers (C) ^ "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on February 13, 2014. RetrievedFebruary 4, 2014 .^a b c d "Public Policy Polling" (PDF) .Archived (PDF) from the original on July 24, 2013. RetrievedFebruary 8, 2013 .^ "2014 General Election November 4, 2014 Official Results" . elections.alaska.gov. November 11, 2014.Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. RetrievedNovember 27, 2014 .^ The others were 1990 in Minnesota, 1982 in Nevada, 1978 in New Hampshire, and 1978 in Massachusetts
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Borough and census area results
State house district results
