Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins Elected as Alaska's 13th Governor

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has been elected to serve as Alaska’s 13th governor, capturing 51% of first-choice votes counted as of Saturday, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

When he takes the oath of office on Dec. 7, the 37-year-old former state House member from Sitka will become the first Democrat to lead the state since former Gov. Tony Knowles concluded his eight-year tenure in 2002. Kreiss-Tomkins secured victory after running as a moderate focused on cross-party compromise, defeating three Republican opponents on the general election ballot.

Bernadette Wilson, an Anchorage business owner backed by President Donald Trump on a combative platform, finished second with 28.1% of first-choice votes. Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson trailed with 13.7%, and former Attorney General Treg Taylor finished with 7.2%.

Alaska, WE DID IT Congratulations, Gov.-elect Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins — Democratic Governors Association

“Alaskans voted for change and for a government that works across party lines to move Alaska forward,” Kreiss-Tomkins said in a statement on Friday morning. “Our administration will not waste a single day getting to work to solve problems for Alaska.”

Kreiss-Tomkins succeeds Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who was termed out from seeking reelection. Zac Johnson, an independent serving on the Anchorage Assembly, will assume the role of lieutenant governor, succeeding current Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom.

Alaska Governor: AP Calls Kreiss-Tomkins, 50.8% (Nov 14) — Senate Watch

The race followed a crowded August primary featuring 17 candidates. Kreiss-Tomkins entered the race late in February, ultimately raising more than $5 million—surpassing all his opponents combined—and receiving financial backing from the Democratic Governors Association.

To build a winning coalition across a vast state, Kreiss-Tomkins traveled 40,000 miles and visited 62 communities. His campaign included a 350-mile snowmachine trip to Northwest Arctic villages, a 450-mile boat trip down the Yukon River, and a 100-mile boat trip on the Kuskokwim River.

The candidate’s outreach efforts included greeting supporters at a fundraiser held at the Odd Man Rush Brewing Company in Eagle River on October 19. Kreiss-Tomkins said that his strategy was designed to unite a coalition ranging from the center-right to the left. He also utilized unconventional campaign events, such as a 5K run in Anchorage’s Kincaid Park.

Republican candidates faced headwinds including fundraising struggles, while the Alaska GOP declined to endorse or fund any candidate in the field. Toward the end of the race, Kreiss-Tomkins earned cross-party backing from figures including U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

“He understands that governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground,” Murkowski said of her endorsement.

Kreiss-Tomkins has already begun the transition process, utilizing three co-chairs representing Democratic, Republican, and independent backgrounds. His immediate test will arrive a week after taking office, when he is scheduled to release his draft of the state budget.

“It’s like we’ve got to eat an entire elephant,” Kreiss-Tomkins said. “So we’re heads down, approaching that with as much thought and attention as we can.”

Earlier coverage: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins Projects Majority Win in Alaska Governor Race