Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a Democrat, has won the race for governor of Alaska and will replace the outgoing Republican. Here he’s seen at a polling station at the University of Alaska Anchorage on Election Day.
Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media
Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media
In a historic win for Alaska, 37-year-old Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has been declared governor, becoming the youngest to hold the office in the state’s history. The Associated Press called the race, marking a significant shift in leadership as Kreiss-Tomkins will take over from the outgoing Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy. This victory heralds a return to Democratic leadership in Alaska for the first time since 2002 when Tony Knowles left office.
Known as JKT, Kreiss-Tomkins campaigned on a promise of a “high-energy, bipartisan, problem-solving approach”. His vision includes building an administration that encompasses Democrats, Republicans, and independents. During a debate, he identified himself as a “man of the middle”, a sentiment echoed by endorsements from three former governors and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski.
On Election Day, Kreiss-Tomkins expressed his belief in collaborative governance, stating, “I strongly believe people just want things to work, and want people to work together.” His victory comes after a lengthy vote-counting process due to the state’s use of a ranked-choice voting system, where he faced three Republican opponents, including one endorsed by former President Trump.
Alaskans also voted on whether to maintain this ranked-choice system, ultimately deciding to keep it in place, as confirmed by another AP race call. With this election, the Democratic Party now controls 30 gubernatorial offices nationwide, an increase from the previous 24.
Kreiss-Tomkins is inheriting a state facing several challenges, including rising costs of living and funding issues that have impacted education and other public services. The state’s economic concerns are compounded by a decade-long population decline, making his leadership critical for addressing these pressing issues.
Among his opponents were Trump-backed business owner Bernadette Wilson, former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, and former Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor. Kreiss-Tomkins is scheduled to assume office on December 7.
Eric Stone covers state government for Alaska Public Media.
