The Northern Ledger

Alaska is more than a place — it is an idea, a way of life, and a community with a story to tell. On The Northern Ledger, host John Quick dives into the economy, policy, and the people who call Alaska home — as well as those who love it or share a deep connection to it.

From business leaders and policymakers to everyday Alaskans with extraordinary stories, this podcast is where conversations are both thoughtful and fun. If you care about Alaska’s future, its opportunities, and its people, you will find it here.

Latest Episodes:

Alaska’s Comeback Story: Republican Frontrunner Bernadette Wilson on Trump’s Gas Line and the Governor’s Race Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Bernadette Wilson joins host John Quick on The Northern Ledger to discuss Alaska's 2026 governor's race, her vision for the state's future, and what she calls "Alaska's comeback story."

After receiving the most primary votes among Republican candidates and leading the Republican field in campaign fundraising, Wilson discusses the momentum behind her campaign, what she's hearing from voters across Alaska, and her recent debate with Democratic candidate JKT and other Republican contenders.

The conversation also explores President Donald Trump's $54 billion Alaska gas line announcement, Wilson's plans for moving the project forward, and the role of Governor Mike Dunleavy, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Nick Begich in advancing Alaska's energy development.

Wilson also shares her positions on education reform, school choice, the Permanent Fund Dividend, government spending, transparency, and election integrity. She explains why she selected former State Senator Mike Shower as her running mate, discusses using artificial intelligence to improve education, and outlines how she would communicate directly with Alaskans as governor.

With the November election approaching, Wilson reflects on her business background, her family's connection to former Governor Wally Hickel, and why she believes Alaska's next governor needs to focus on economic growth, accountability, and delivering results.

Learn more about Bernadette Wilson, her campaign, and her policy positions at: https://bernadetteforgovernor.com/

Subscribe to The Northern Ledger for more conversations with the candidates and leaders shaping Alaska's future.

Suzanne Downing Gets Aboard Air Force Two with Vice President JD Vance Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

John Quick sits down with Suzanne Downing of The Alaska Story on The Northern Ledger for a wide-ranging conversation on Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Alaska, the final stretch of election season, and the major races and ballot measures shaping the state.

Downing shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to travel with the vice president’s team on Air Force Two, from the security process at JBER to the flight into Fairbanks, the rally atmosphere, and the logistics of a vice-presidential visit. She describes the crowd reaction, the media setup, Senator Dan Sullivan’s role in the event, and why the Fairbanks stop stood out during a major election year.

The conversation also turns to Alaska’s high-stakes U.S. Senate race, including Sullivan’s campaign, former Congresswoman Mary Peltola’s bid, outside spending, political ads, and the fight for Alaska voters. Downing also discusses recent reporting about Peltola’s congressional office and campaign, questions about staff turnover and constituent responsiveness, and how those issues could affect the race.

John and Suzanne also cover the governor’s race, including Bernadette Wilson & Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, along with the debate over ranked choice voting, Ballot Measure 2, Ballot Measure 3, election integrity questions, James O’Keefe’s recent Alaska videos, and what Downing believes is at stake as Alaska heads toward Election Day.

Scott Kendall on Ballot Measure 2, Open Primaries, Election Drama, and Alaska’s Governor Race Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

John Quick sits down with Scott Kendall on The Northern Ledger for a wide-ranging conversation on Alaska politics, election reform, and the major issues shaping the race for governor.

Kendall breaks down Ballot Measure 2, including the debate over ranked choice voting, open primaries, campaign finance disclosure, and what he says voters should understand before casting their ballots.

He also responds to recent controversy around Alaska’s election system, including the undercover voting video involving James O’Keefe and the questions it raised about question ballots, voter ID, and election workers.

Ryan Sheldon on Alaska’s Cost of Living, Energy Crisis, Education, and His Run for State Senate Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

John Quick sits down with Alaska Senate candidate Ryan Sheldon on The Northern Ledger for a conversation about his campaign, his background in business, and the issues he says he is hearing most from voters across his district.

Sheldon discusses the cost of living in Alaska, rising energy concerns, the future of the Alaska LNG project, electricity rates, education funding, teacher retention, and what it would take to keep more families and businesses in the state. He also talks about growing up in a business-minded family, why he decided to run, how he views the role of government in helping Alaska’s economy move again, and why he believes long-term thinking is needed in Juneau.

The conversation also covers his approach to working with other legislators, what his first weeks in office would look like if elected, and why he says Alaska needs new ideas on energy, education, and economic growth.

Zac Johnson: Former Marine, Pro-Gun, Pro-Education, and Running for Alaska Lt. Governor Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

The Northern Ledger with host John Quick welcomes Zac Johnson, a former Marine, Anchorage Assembly member, and candidate for Alaska lieutenant governor, for a conversation about the life experiences that shaped his politics.

Johnson talks about being born in Alaska and spending part of his early life in a cabin near Turnagain Arm with no running water, then later serving in the Marine Corps and returning to Alaska as an adult. He explains how he went from community council meetings to the Anchorage Assembly, why he sees himself as politically independent, and how he thinks about gun rights, education, and the role of government.

John also asks Johnson about the gas line, election trust, working with the legislature, and what conservatives and small-government voters should know about him before deciding who to support.

JKT on Alaska’s Gas Line, AI, Open Government, and Life After the Primary Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

On The Northern Ledger, host John Quick talks with JKT after his first-place primary finish about the governor’s race, Alaska’s future, and the issues voters are watching closely. JKT talks about the work behind his campaign, traveling across all 19 boroughs, going down the Yukon River, and what it felt like to come out on top after earlier polling showed him far behind.

JKT lays out his approach to governing, including his idea for a blended cabinet made up of Republicans, independents, and Democrats, with a focus on competence over party labels. He also talks through his position on the Alaska gas line, saying he supports the project if it makes financial sense, while raising concerns about transparency around state commitments, contracts, and major development deals.

John also asks about press access, AI, data centers, energy, and how Alaska should handle new technology and new industry responsibly. JKT closes with the pace of the campaign, powerlifting, YouTube clips, and why he says he wants to help “put Alaska back together again.”

Scott Kendall’s Unfiltered Take on Alaska Politics Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Northern Ledger, host John Quick welcomes back Alaska attorney, political strategist, and former gubernatorial chief of staff Scott Kendall for a wide-ranging conversation about Alaska politics.

The interview was recorded shortly before the primary and before the third special session ended without action on the gas line bill. While some circumstances have changed, Scott’s analysis provides an interesting snapshot of the governor’s race, the gas line debate, and the political forces shaping Alaska.

John and Scott also discuss the United States Senate race between incumbent U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and former U.S. Congresswoman Mary Peltola, Anchorage Assembly travel and ethics questions, campaign-finance rules, open primaries, and ranked-choice voting.

Is Alaska About to Turn Blue? Suzanne Downing’s Unfiltered Election Take Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Title: Alaska’s Election Is Heading for Chaos with Suzanne Downing

Description: On this episode of The Northern Ledger, host John Quick sits down with his friend Suzanne Downing—by far the most popular and influential conservative voice in Alaska. As publisher of The Alaska Story, Suzanne has become a trusted source for Alaskans who want the news and political analysis they will not get from the mainstream media.

Suzanne explains why the governor’s race has become a potential disaster for Republicans. With Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor still competing against one Democrat, she warns that Republican infighting and confusion surrounding ranked-choice voting could hand the governor’s office to JKT. She also discusses what that outcome could mean for the gas line, business investment, new taxes, and Alaska’s relationship with the Trump administration.

John and Suzanne also examine Senator Dan Sullivan’s fight against Mary Peltola, the millions in outside money pouring into Alaska, the Democratic ground operation spreading through rural communities, and the controversy surrounding decoy candidates. Suzanne explains why she believes Sullivan will survive the toughest campaign of his career and why Congressman Nick Begich’s work ethic, legislative record, and accessibility have made him one of Alaska’s strongest elected officials.

The conversation closes with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s legacy and the extraordinary rise of The Alaska Story. In just 11 months, Suzanne has built Alaska’s most popular conservative news outlet, reached millions of people through social media, attracted nearly 23,000 followers, and climbed to No. 65 among all news publications on Substack worldwide. This is an unfiltered look at Alaska politics, media, and the battle over the state’s future.

Check out The Alasak Story at: https://thealaskastory.com/

Jim Minnery on Faith, Politics, the Pro-Life Movement, and Alaska's Cultural Crossroads Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Alaska Family Council President Jim Minnery joins host Jonathan Quick to discuss the intersection of faith, politics, and culture in Alaska. The conversation explores Alaska Family Council's mission, the role of Christians in public life, religious liberty, school choice, and the cultural issues shaping Alaska today.

Jonathan and Jim also discuss Governor Mike Dunleavy's legacy, Alaska's race for governor, the pro-life movement, and why Minnery believes lasting change happens through both public policy and cultural engagement. They also reflect on the goals behind the Alaska March for Life, current legislative battles, and the importance of staying engaged in the public square.

Whether you're interested in public policy, religious liberty, or the future of Alaska, this episode offers an inside look at one of the state's longest-serving faith-based organizations and the issues shaping Alaska's political and cultural landscape.

Mayor Peter Micciche on Keeping Government Small and Alaska Growing Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche returns to the show for an in-depth conversation with host Jonathan Quick about leadership, local government, and why the Kenai Peninsula Borough has become a model for fiscal responsibility in Alaska. Together, they explore Micciche's philosophy of government, his focus on delivering high-quality services at the lowest possible cost, lowering the borough's mill rate, returning money to taxpayers, and creating a government that works for its citizens—not the other way around.

Jonathan and Peter also take a deep dive into some of the biggest issues facing the Kenai Peninsula today, including education funding, school closures, homeschooling, the relationship between the borough and the school district, town hall meetings, and why Micciche believes government leaders should be accessible, transparent, and willing to have difficult conversations directly with the public. Throughout the discussion, Micciche shares the practical decision-making process behind many of the borough's recent initiatives and why he believes transparency and accountability are essential to earning the public's trust.

The conversation also explores the future of the Alaska LNG Project, where it stands today, the opportunities it could create for Alaska's economy, energy security, and thousands of future jobs. Drawing on nearly four decades in the LNG industry, Micciche explains why this moment may represent the best opportunity yet for the project to move forward and what success could mean for the Kenai Peninsula and the entire state.

Finally, Micciche discusses the importance of citizen involvement in local government, encourages Alaskans to serve on local boards and commissions, and shares his long-term vision for preserving everything that makes the Kenai Peninsula a great place to live while creating new opportunities for future generations. It's a thoughtful conversation with one of Alaska's most experienced public servants about the challenges, opportunities, and future of the Last Frontier.

Check it out here: https://www.kpb.us/local-governance-and-permitting/voting-elections/voting-elections-overview

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