Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins became the latest beneficiary of the ‘blue tsunami’ from the midterm elections, becoming the first Democrat to be elected governor of Alaska since 1998.
Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state lawmaker, defeated three Republicans, including Bernadette Wilson who was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
His victory means Democrats will control the governor’s office in 30 states, including several they flipped after years of Republican control in places such as Iowa, Georgia, Ohio and Texas.
At 37, Kreiss-Tomkins will become the youngest governor in state history.
He will be replacing outgoing Republican Govenor Mike Dunleavy, who was on this position since 2018.
The state’s last Democratic governor was Tony Knowles, who was in office till 2002.
Kreiss-Tomkins was endorsed by three former governors including a Democrat, a Republican and an independent — along with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
The state’s US Senate race remains uncalled, with former Congresswoman Mary Peltola at 49.8 percent of the vote with 95 percent of the vote in, ahead of incumbent Dan S Sullivan with 46.1 percent.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (pictured) became the latest beneficiary of the ‘blue tsunami’ from the midterm elections, becoming the first Democrat to be elected governor of Alaska since 1998
Kreiss-Tomkins, often referred to as JKT, completed a political comeback three years after leaving the state House.
He traveled throughout Alaska to build his coalition and focused on affordability, advocated for full funding of public schools and called for all oil and gas producers to pay corporate income tax.
Kreiss-Tomkins also sought a moratorium on new data centers until state lawmakers pass regulations for their development.
He cited among other issues a state ferry system that he said has been left in shambles, with routes to many communities cut drastically.
He said Alaska had become ‘broken’ under eight years of outgoing Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy and needed a change.
The ferry is a key mode of transportation for southeast Alaska communities not connected by roads, some of which also have limited air service.
Kreiss-Tomkins, 37, emphasized a willingness to work across party lines and said he wanted a Cabinet with Republicans, Democrats and independents.
‘If they’re competent, if they’re service-minded, if they’re entrepreneurial, if they’re problem-solvers, you’re on the team. Game on,’ he said during a candidate forum last month. ‘Let’s go, and let’s get Alaska back on track.’
This is a developing story.
