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/