Cross-party support helps Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins wins Alaska governor race, becoming the nation’s youngest sitting governor

A change in Alaska’s governor’s office

Kreiss-Tomkins defeated three Republican candidates to succeed Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who is barred from seeking another term by term limits. His victory transfers control of the governor’s office from Republicans to Democrats.

The result is part of a broader pattern in this year’s state elections. Democrats will hold 30 governor’s offices next year after gaining control in six states.

A path through the primary

Former state Sen. Tom Begich, a Democrat, placed second in the August primary, narrowly behind Kreiss-Tomkins. He later left the contest to bring Democratic support together behind Kreiss-Tomkins.

Kreiss-Tomkins, 37, previously served in the state Legislature. His election will make him Alaska’s youngest governor in history and, next year, the youngest sitting governor in the nation.

Support across party lines

Known in Alaska by the initials JKT, Kreiss-Tomkins received backing from voters and figures across party lines. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed him a week before Election Day. Murkowski told NBC affiliate KTUU of Anchorage that Alaska needed Kreiss-Tomkins’ fresh energy and perspective, describing him as someone with a record of working with others.

Data center policy proposals

Kreiss-Tomkins has called for pausing approval of new data centers until the state Legislature adopts regulations. He also said he would oppose direct or indirect state subsidies for data centers’ electricity expenses.