Alaska governor mansion flips to democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins amid Trump-backed GOP infighting
Kreiss-Tomkins Claims Victory
The Associated Press called the Alaska governor’s race for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins on Friday evening local time. The Democrat defeated Bernadette Wilson, the Republican candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Kreiss-Tomkins is a former state representative from Sitka. His victory returns Democrats to the governor’s mansion after two terms under Dunleavy and makes him Alaska’s first Democratic governor since 1998.
Republican Contest Divided Party
Wilson, a conservative activist and former political operative, was the only Trump-endorsed candidate among three Republicans seeking the governorship. Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor were also in the race. Trump criticized Bronson and Taylor, saying they were dividing conservative voters and could put Republican control of the governor’s office at risk.
Trump Raises Sullivan Challenge
After a midterm rally in Alaska, Trump told Fox News’ Matt Finn that his team was looking into Dan Sullivan, an independent challenger who shares a name with Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. The report did not provide further details about the inquiry or the independent challenger.
Key points
- Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson in Alaska’s gubernatorial election.
- The Associated Press called the race Friday evening local time.
- Kreiss-Tomkins is set to become Alaska’s first Democratic governor since 1998.
- Trump criticized two Republican contenders, saying they could divide conservative voters.