41 ALASKA FISHERIES LEADERS ENDORSE KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Coastal and rural Alaskans all in for JKT’s policy acumen and Alaska-first stance
August 13, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) announced the endorsement of 40 Alaskan fisheries leaders. The endorsers, who come from communities across the state, support JKT’s vision to conserve Alaska’s fisheries resources, prioritize science-based management, and restore balance to the Board of Fish.
“Fisheries are the backbone of coastal Alaska. I represented commercial, sport, and subsistence fishermen for a decade in the legislature. Their support means a tremendous amount to me personally,” Kreiss-Tomkins said. “It’s time to bring back balance to fisheries management and put Alaskans’ interests first.”
“JKT recognizes the value of Alaska’s fisheries and has repeatedly worked both behind the scenes and in political forums to promote our industry and Alaska’s working waterfronts,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “JKT is a problem solver, a coalition builder, and unswervingly committed to reducing bycatch and its impacts on Alaska’s fish, fisheries and fishing communities. He is the governor Alaska needs.”
ALASKA FISHERIES LEADERS ENDORSING JKT
These endorsements add to JKT’s field-leading coalition, which includes commercial fishing organizations Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and Cordova District Fishermen United; former governor Tony Knowles; over 60 current and former legislators, mayors, assembly members, city council members, and school board members; and labor unions, including NEA-Alaska, Alaska State Employees Association/AFSCME Local 52 PAC, Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, SEIU 775, and Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association.
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About Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT), born and raised in Sitka, represented Southeast Alaska’s island communities for 10 years in the State House. He first won election at age 23 after leaving college without a degree to launch a grassroots campaign, traveling by ferry and floatplane to knock on nearly every door across Southeast Alaska, defeating an established incumbent by 32 votes.
A member of the Bipartisan Coalition in the House, he worked across the aisle to protect public education, reduce trawl bycatch and protect our fisheries, invest in infrastructure, revitalize Alaska Native languages, and protect the Permanent Fund from overspending. After a decade in the legislature, Kreiss-Tomkins retired in 2023, and spent two years working for a national nonprofit on science and technology policy on Capitol Hill, as well as working on campaigns across Alaska and the country.
Since leaving the legislature, he's seen what all Alaskans have witnessed: a distracted state government that is failing to solve Alaska’s big problems. Prices keep rising. Basic infrastructure is neglected. Schools struggle or close.
Alaska needs new energy and new leadership. JKT is running for governor to support our schools, bring down costs, and give families a reason to stay — so that the next generation will also call Alaska home.
To learn more, visit jktforak.com.
About Zac Johnson
Zac Johnson was born in Anchorage and spent his early years in a dry cabin his parents built along Turnagain Arm. In 2000, at age 19, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. He served two deployments, including during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
In 2006, Zac returned to Alaska and enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He volunteered as a firefighter and EMT with the Girdwood Fire Department before joining the Alaska State Troopers in 2013. As a state pilot and trooper with the Fairbanks-based Rural Unit, he worked missions from Dillingham to Arctic Village, and nearly every community in between. He later became a Tactical Flight Officer flying remote search and rescues, fishery patrols, and drug busts with federal law enforcement.
In 2023, Zac won election to the Anchorage Assembly as an independent. He has served as a strong advocate for public safety and responsible government. Today, Zac lives in South Anchorage with his wife, Liz, and continues to lead with Alaskan values of compassion, community, and hard work.
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