By SUZANNE DOWNING

Aug. 29, 2026 – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, one of President Donald Trump’s most recognizable former White House officials, has endorsed Bernadette Wilson for governor of Alaska.

Sanders served as Trump’s White House press secretary from 2017 to 2019 and was considered one of his most trusted and effective public advocates during his first term. She was elected governor of Arkansas in 2022.

“I’m proud to endorse Bernadette Wilson for Governor of Alaska,” Sanders said. “Born and raised in Alaska, Bernadette has never wavered from her values or lost sight of what matters most. As a mother and small business owner, she brings the grit, common sense, and backbone Alaska needs in its next governor.”

Sanders is the second major national figure closely aligned with Trump to endorse Wilson. Florida Congressman Byron Donalds endorsed Wilson earlier in the campaign, describing her as a “true conservative” committed to America First principles.

Donalds is now the Republican nominee for governor of Florida after winning the Aug. 18 primary. He entered that race with Trump’s endorsement and has emerged as one of the president’s leading allies in Congress.

The political connection is unmistakable: Sanders served as Trump’s voice from the White House podium, while Donalds is in Trump’s inner circle.

The support also gives Wilson two prominent national validators as Alaska Republicans consider whether to unite behind the top Republican finisher from the Aug. 18 primary.

Wilson and her running mate, former state Sen. Mike Shower, an Air Force veteran, are campaigning as the leading Republican ticket against the Democrats advancing to Alaska’s ranked-choice general election.

“Alaskans deserve a leader who will put families first and stand firm against the radical left,” Sanders said. “Bernadette will fight for working families and take on the challenges Alaska faces without backing down. I look forward to working alongside Bernadette as we fight for our shared conservative values.”

Wilson said the endorsement demonstrates her campaign’s ability to attract support beyond Alaska.

“Governor Sanders has been an incredible leader in the Republican Party and a strong advocate for Arkansas,” Wilson said. “I am honored to receive her endorsement as we fight to strengthen Alaska. This endorsement demonstrates again our campaign’s ability to tell Alaska’s story across the country and earn the national support needed to win one of the biggest races in America.”

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