Advocating Alaska’s Economy, Freedom, and Growth
Born and raised in Alaska, Bernadette understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by Alaskan families and businesses. She has been a fierce advocate for small government, economic freedom, and individual liberties, from her role as CEO of the Alaska Policy Forum to her leadership at Americans for Prosperity.
Meet Bernadette
Born on the Kenai. Raised in Anchorage. Built for Alaska.
Bernadette Wilson is a lifelong Alaskan, small business owner, mother of three, and a passionate advocate for the people and future of Alaska. Her roots run deep- from her grandmother born in the village of Naknek, to her great uncle, Governor Wally Hickel, who served twice as Alaska’s governor and is remembered as one of the state’s greatest energy visionaries. Her family owns businesses that have been here for decades, and have truly built Alaska.
Bernadette grew up figure skating in Anchorage and later gave back as a coach, leading Team Alaska to a silver medal at the Arctic Winter Games. She built a career in media, hosting both statewide television and radio shows. Those skills became vital during COVID-19 when she organized “The People’s Memorial Day” in defiance of government shutdowns.
She is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2016, Bernadette launched a commercial waste management company that has grown steadily despite setbacks, including a devastating fire in March 2025 that nearly destroyed the entire business. She knows firsthand the grit it takes to rebuild from nothing.
Her experience managing political campaigns and most recently serving as senior advisor to Nick Begich for Congress has made her a seasoned leader who understands the inner workings of government and the urgent need to reform it. Bernadette also signed on as one of the three main sponsors to support the most recent effort to repeal ranked choice voting in Alaska.
Bernadette is a proud single mother who has raised three children in Alaska. She knows the challenges families and business owners face, because she’s lived them. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and deep commitment to the state she calls home.
Today, Bernadette is standing up to ensure that the next generation of Alaskans has the opportunity to build their future right here in the Last Frontier. Alaska is in her blood and she’s ready to fight for its future.
The Governor leads the state government. The Governor signs or vetoes bills passed by the legislature, proposes the state budget, appoints agency heads and, in many states, judges, and commands the state's National Guard. In most states the Governor can also grant pardons.