ALASKA LONGLINE FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Sole endorsement highlights JKT’s decade-plus record of fighting for fishermen
July 9, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) announced the sole endorsement of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association.
Founded in 1978, the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association (ALFA) represents Alaska’s independent, community-based commercial fishermen and works to promote sustainable fisheries and thriving fishing communities. ALFA has spearheaded campaigns to rebuild and protect Alaska fisheries, ban trawling in Southeast Alaska waters, and support Alaska’s young fishermen. ALFA mirrors Alaska’s political diversity, with a board that includes Republicans, Democrats, and independents united by the mission to steward Alaska’s fisheries resource to benefit coastal communities and future generations of fishermen.
ALFA’s endorsement speaks to Kreiss-Tomkins’ deep understanding of Alaska’s fisheries and his work on behalf of commercial fishing communities in and out of the legislature. JKT served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives Fisheries Committee for 10 years, was endorsed throughout his legislative career by United Fishermen of Alaska, was engaged in the North Pacific Fishery Management Council advocating for Alaska’s interests, and served on the board of the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust.
“Endorsing a political candidate is a rare move for our organization,” said ALFA Executive Director Linda Behnken. “This year we are taking a stand because all our fishermen recognize the need for real change in management of Alaska’s fisheries and our board is united in support of JKT.”
Behnken continued, “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. 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.”
“Commercial fishing is the backbone of coastal Alaska. I represented commercial fishermen for a decade in the legislature, and ALFA’s endorsement means a tremendous amount to me personally,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “As governor, my administration will stand up for Alaska’s small-boat commercial fishermen and the coastal communities that depend on them. I will nominate members to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council who support reducing bycatch, who will make sure Alaska communities and Alaskans benefit from our tremendous fisheries resource. ALFA has been a leader on these issues, and I am grateful for their support.”
ALFA’s endorsement builds on a coalition of endorsers that includes Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, the Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, SEIU 775, former Gov. Tony Knowles, and elected leaders from Cordova to Kotzebue and Anchorage to Fairbanks.
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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.
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