First Democrat to win Alaska governor’s office since 1998: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins elects voters’ support
A political comeback in Alaska
Kreiss-Tomkins, also known as JKT, returned to the political arena three years after departing the state House. He traveled across Alaska to build support for his campaign. His election gives Democrats the governorship for the first time since 1998. The result arrived during a midterm cycle in which Democrats scored broad wins in state governments around the country.
Campaign focused on costs
He supported pausing approval of new data centers until state lawmakers establish rules for their development. The proposal was part of his broader set of priorities for the state.
Promising cross-party cooperation
Kreiss-Tomkins said he was ready to work with people from different parties. He also said he wanted Republicans, Democrats and independents represented in his Cabinet.
Former governors back him
Three former Alaska governors also endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins: Democrat Tony Knowles, independent Bill Walker and Republican Frank Murkowski. Frank Murkowski is Lisa Murkowski’s father. The endorsements brought support from Democrats, an independent and a Republican. Kreiss-Tomkins’ stated goal of building a Cabinet across party lines echoed that range of backing.
Key points
- Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins won Alaska’s governorship, the first Democratic victory there since 1998.
- The 37-year-old campaigned on affordability, school funding and corporate taxes for oil and gas producers.
- He called for a pause on new data centers until lawmakers pass development rules.
- Lisa Murkowski and three former governors endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins.