Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins wins race for Alaska governor, replaces a Republican
Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has been elected governor of Alaska, becoming the state's youngest governor and ending a long period of Republican leadership. He campaigned on a bipartisan, problem-solving platform and intends to form a coalition administration.
Why it matters
The victory marks a significant political shift in Alaska and contributes to a national increase in Democratic-held governorships.
Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state representative from the small island community of Sitka, won the race for Alaska governor, according to a race call by the Associated Press. At 37, he'll be the youngest governor in state history.
Kreiss-Tomkins will replace outgoing Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a term-limited Republican who has been governor since 2018. The state's last Democratic governor was Tony Knowles, who left office in 2002.
Kreiss-Tomkins, known by his initials JKT, made his "high-energy, bipartisan, problem-solving approach" a centerpiece of his campaign.
He's said he plans to build an administration of Democrats, Republicans and independents and described himself at a debate as a "man of the middle." He was endorsed by three former governors — a Democrat, a Republican and an independent — along with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins elected Alaska governor
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Alaska elects Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins governor
Democrat wins Alaska governor’s seat for first time in nearly 30 years
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