Palin would later become the unsuccessful Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, before resigning as governor in 2009.

Incumbent Frank Murkowski (R), first elected governor in 2002, ran for reelection but was defeated in a landslide in the Republican primary by former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin on August 22, 2006.

[1] Murkowski also faced opposition from former state lawmaker and Fairbanks businessman John Binkley.

Anchorage businessman Andrew Halcro ran as an Independent in the race for governor.

Halcro collected about 4,000 signatures to be placed on the general election ballot without party affiliation.