Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has won Alaska's gubernatorial election, ending the Republican Party's hold on the state's governor's office for the first time since 1998. His victory comes as Democrats make significant gains across state governments in the 2026 US midterm elections. Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state lawmaker, defeated three Republican candidates, including one endorsed by US President Donald Trump. His victory means Democrats will control the governor's office in 30 states, after flipping several states that had been under Republican control for years, including Iowa, Georgia, Ohio and Texas. The 37-year-old, popularly known as JKT, is making a political comeback three years after leaving the Alaska state House. He built support by travelling across the state and focusing his campaign on affordability, public education and economic issues.
Who is Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins?
Kreiss-Tomkins is a former Alaska state representative who returned to electoral politics after leaving the state House three years ago. During his campaign, he called for full funding of public schools and proposed requiring all oil and gas producers to pay corporate income tax. He also advocated a moratorium on new data centres until state lawmakers establish regulations governing their development. He criticised outgoing Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, who has been in office for eight years, saying Alaska had become "broken" and needed a change. Among the issues he highlighted was the state's ferry system, which he said had been left in poor condition, with services to several communities drastically reduced. Ferries are an important mode of transport for communities in southeast Alaska that are not connected by roads and have limited air connectivity.
How did Kreiss-Tomkins defeat Trump's backed candidate?
Kreiss-Tomkins defeated three Republican candidates: Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor. Trump had endorsed Wilson, a businesswoman, while criticising the other Republican candidates for remaining in the race. Kreiss-Tomkins had finished first in Alaska's August open primary. Another Democrat, Tom Begich, who came second, subsequently withdrew and backed him, saying consolidating Democratic voters, donors and resources behind one candidate offered the strongest chance of victory. Wilson had finished third in the primary. The Democrat also received support from Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has occasionally differed with her party and Trump. She endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins a week before the election, saying he understood the importance of listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground. Three former Alaska governors, Democrat Tony Knowles, independent Bill Walker and Republican Frank Murkowski, also endorsed him.
What did Kreiss-Tomkins promise as Alaska governor?
Kreiss-Tomkins campaigned on a promise to work across party lines and said he wanted his administration to include Republicans, Democrats and independents. "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.
In a statement declaring victory, he said voters wanted change and a government that could work across party lines to address Alaska's problems. He added that his campaign had received contributions from more than 10,000 donors. He also described compromise as "a virtue, not a dirty word", saying his responsibility would be to work with lawmakers to resolve longstanding problems in the state.
When will Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins take office?
Kreiss-Tomkins is set to be sworn in as Alaska's governor on December 7. His running mate, independent Zac Johnson, will serve as lieutenant governor. Alaska's last Democratic governor was Tony Knowles, who left office in 2002 after serving two consecutive terms. Independent Bill Walker subsequently governed the state from 2014 to 2018.
