• 2026 Candidate Forum Series

    Connecting voters, candidates, and the business community.

    The Fairbanks Chamber Candidate Forum Series provides a nonpartisan opportunity for members, residents, and community partners to hear directly from candidates seeking public office. These forums are designed to support informed civic engagement and highlight issues that impact Interior Alaska’s businesses, economy, workforce, infrastructure, energy future, and quality of life.

    Registration Options
    Listen Only $5
    Lunch $30 Members
    $35 Non-Members
    Table of 8 $300 Members
    $325 Non-Members
    View Forums & Register Sponsor
  • Forum Schedule

    Six forums focused on the future of Interior Alaska.

    Each forum will focus on the offices, districts, and issues most directly connected to the future of Interior Alaska.

    Sep 15

    City of Fairbanks & City of North Pole Forum

    Local government, city services, public safety, business climate, housing, infrastructure, and community development.

    8 Star Events Center Register
    Sep 22

    Borough Assembly Forum

    Land use, taxation, economic development, public services, schools, permitting, and regional growth.

    8 Star Events Center Register
    Sep 29

    Senate District Q + House Districts 33 & 34 Forum

    State-level policy issues impacting Interior Alaska, including energy, transportation, fiscal stability, workforce, resource development, and education.

    8 Star Events Center Register
    Oct 6

    House Districts 31, 32, 35 & 36 Forum

    A focused discussion with Interior legislative candidates on business, infrastructure, state services, housing, workforce, and community priorities.

    8 Star Events Center Register
    Oct 13

    Governor / Lt. Governor Forum

    Statewide leadership, Alaska’s economic future, fiscal policy, energy, public safety, resource development, and long-term competitiveness.

    8 Star Events Center Register
    Oct 20

    Congressional Forum: U.S. House & U.S. Senate

    Federal policy, military presence, transportation, infrastructure, energy, resource development, federal permitting, and Alaska’s role in national priorities.

    8 Star Events Center Register
  • Special After-Hours Forum
    Co-Hosted by ASUAF and the Fairbanks Chamber

    Fairbanks School Board Forum

    Hear directly from candidates seeking a local school board seat and learn more about their perspectives on issues affecting schools, students, educators, workforce development and the future of education in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

    Thursday, September 17, 2026
    5:45-7:00 PM
    UAF Wood Center multilevel lounge
    Free parking at UAF after 5 PM
     
    View Forum Details
    Fairbanks School Board Forum
    Stay After the Forum
    Continue the conversation at The Pub at UAF following the forum. Candidates and attendees are invited to a casual meet-and-greet. 21+ only.
  • Attendees gathered at a Greater Fairbanks Chamber event
    Be Ready to Vote

    Register to Vote

    Make sure you are ready to participate before election season. Check your voter registration status, update your information if needed, and review upcoming election deadlines so your voice can be heard in local, state, and federal races.

    Register to Vote
  • Nonpartisan Disclaimer

    A fair platform for public education.

    The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates in these forums. The Candidate Forum Series is intended to provide a fair, nonpartisan platform for public education and civic engagement.

    Community members attending a Greater Fairbanks Chamber forum
  • Sponsorship Opportunities

    Support the 2026 Candidate Forum Series

    Showcase your business while supporting professional, nonpartisan forums that connect candidates, Chamber members, and the Interior Alaska community.

    View Sponsorship Opportunities →
  • Candidate Forum Information

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are the forums open to the public?

    Yes. The Fairbanks Chamber’s political forums are open to everyone and provide an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about issues affecting Fairbanks, Interior Alaska, and the local business community.

    Do I need to register?

    Yes. Registration is required, either in advance or at the door. We strongly encourage registering in advance, as political forums often fill quickly and seating is limited. To register, select the forum you would like to attend from the Political Forum Schedule and follow the registration link.

    Registration Fees

    • Listening Fee: $5
    • With Lunch: $30 for members, $35 for non-members
    • Tables of 8: $300 for members, $325 for non-members
    Can I submit a question for candidates?
    Yes! Chamber members and employees of Chamber member businesses and organizations may suggest questions for candidates by emailing our Advocacy Coordinator at jackson@fairbankschamber.org.
     
    General audience questions are also accepted at each political forum and will be asked as time allows. If you would like to submit an audience question in advance, please send it to jackson@fairbankschamber.org.
    How are questions selected?

    A Chamber planning committee reviews submitted questions and develops the final questions for each forum. Questions are selected to keep the discussion fair, balanced, and relevant to the office being sought, with a focus on issues affecting Fairbanks, Interior Alaska, and the local business community.

    Does the Chamber endorse candidates?
    No. The Chamber does not endorse candidates. Our political forums are designed to give voters information and give candidates an opportunity to share their views on issues important to our community and economy.
     
    The Chamber may take positions on policies, legislation, or ballot measures that align with our adopted advocacy priorities, but our candidate forums are conducted in a nonpartisan, non-endorsement format.
    Can candidates distribute campaign materials?

    Campaign materials may be distributed inside the forum room for a fee. If you are a candidate or part of an interested group, please reach out to our Advocacy Coordinator, Jackson Nelson, at jackson@fairbankschamber.org . Distribution is not permitted without prior approval from the Chamber.

    Who do I contact with questions?

    For anything related to the Fairbanks Chamber’s political forums, please contact the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.

    Phone: 907-452-1105
    Email: jackson@fairbankschamber.org