Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins Becomes 1st Democrat Elected Alaska Governor Since 1998/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ Jehan Mansour/ Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins won Alaska’s governor’s race, becoming the first Democrat elected to the office since 1998. The former state lawmaker defeated three Republicans after campaigning on affordability, public education and bipartisan cooperation. His victory gives Democrats control of 30 governorships following sweeping gains in the midterm elections.
Alaska Governor’s Election: Quick Look
- Winner: Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a 37-year-old former state lawmaker.
- Historic result: Alaska last elected a Democratic governor in 1998.
- Republicans defeated: Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor.
- Trump endorsement: President Donald Trump backed Wilson.
- Bipartisan support: Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and three former Alaska governors endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins.
- Policy priorities: Affordability, school funding, ferry service and changes to oil and gas taxation.
- Inauguration: Dec. 7, with independent Zac Johnson as lieutenant governor.
Alaska Governor’s Election: Deep Look
Kreiss-Tomkins Ends Long Democratic Election Drought
JUNEAU, Alaska — Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins won Alaska’s governor’s race, becoming the first Democrat elected to the office since 1998 and adding another state to his party’s nationwide midterm gains.
The former state legislator defeated Republicans Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor. Wilson had the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Kreiss-Tomkins’ victory means Democrats will hold 30 governorships, following gains in states including Iowa, Georgia, Ohio and Texas.
The 37-year-old, frequently known as JKT, built his campaign around affordability, stronger public services and a promise to work across party lines.
Affordability and Public Services Drive Campaign
Kreiss-Tomkins traveled throughout Alaska to assemble his coalition, advocating full funding for public schools and requiring all oil and gas producers to pay corporate income tax.
He also proposed a moratorium on new data centers until lawmakers establish regulations governing their development.
A frequent target of his criticism was the condition of Alaska’s ferry system, which provides essential transportation for southeastern communities without road connections.
Kreiss-Tomkins argued that routes had been drastically reduced during outgoing Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s eight years in office, leaving some communities with fewer transportation options.
He described the state as “broken” and said a change in leadership was necessary.
Governor-Elect Promises Bipartisan Cabinet
Kreiss-Tomkins emphasized that his administration would recruit Republicans, Democrats and independents based on their ability to serve the state.
“If they’re competent, if they’re service-minded, if they’re entrepreneurial, if they’re problem-solvers, you’re on the team. Game on,” he said during a candidate forum last month. “Let’s go, and let’s get Alaska back on track.”
In a statement declaring victory Friday, he said voters had chosen change and “a government that works across party lines to move Alaska forward. Our administration will not waste a single day getting to work to solve problems for Alaska.”
His campaign said it received contributions from more than 10,000 donors. It did not immediately respond to requests for comment after The Associated Press called the race.
Murkowski and Former Governors Backed Democrat
Republican US Sen. Endorsed by Lisa Murkowski Kreiss-Tomkins one week before the election, giving him prominent support from across the political aisle.
She said he “understands that governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground to solve the problems all of us face.”
Three former Alaska governors also endorsed him: Democrat Tony Knowles, independent Bill Walker and Republican Frank Murkowski, the senator’s father.
Those endorsements reinforced Kreiss-Tomkins’ argument that Alaska needed a governor willing to build agreements beyond party boundaries.
Trump-Backed Wilson Falls Short
Trump endorsed Wilson, a business owner, and criticized the other Republican candidates for remaining in the race.
Bronson previously served as mayor of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Taylor was attorney general under Dunleavy.
After the result, Bronson congratulated Kreiss-Tomkins on social media and wished him success. Wilson’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Many Republicans encouraged voters to rank candidates as their strongest opportunity to retain the governor’s office.
That strategy conflicted with Trump’s repeated criticism of Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, including during an October rally in the state.
Democratic Consolidation Followed Open Primary
Kreiss-Tomkins finished first in Alaska’s August open primary. Fellow Democrat Tom Begich placed second but subsequently withdrew.
Begich’s campaign said it had determined that the “strongest path to victory is to bring Democratic voters, donors and resources together behind one candidate.”
Wilson finished third in the primary.
Kreiss-Tomkins argued throughout the campaign that compromise “is a virtue, not a dirty word,” framing the governor’s role as working with lawmakers to address longstanding state problems.
New Administration Takes Office Dec. 7
Alaska’s last Democratic governor, Tony Knowles, left office in 2002 after two consecutive terms. Independent Bill Walker later served from 2014 to 2018.
Kreiss-Tomkins will be sworn in Dec. 7 alongside lieutenant governor-elect Zac Johnson, an independent.
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