ALASKA PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
JKT earns sole endorsement from firefighters as labor support grows
June 24, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson announced the sole endorsement of the Alaska Professional Fire FightersAssociation (AKPFFA).
“Earning the support of Alaska’s firefighters is a huge boost of momentum for our campaign. Firefighters give so much to our communities. I am committed to lead as they do and build an administration that takes care of our fellow Alaskans,” said Kreiss-Tomkins.
“I’m proud of my service, years ago, as a volunteer firefighter in Girdwood. It is difficult to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice the job demands until you’ve lived it. Our firefighters take care of us, and I believe we, in turn, have an obligation to take care of them,” said Johnson.
“The Alaska Professional Fire Fighters are proud to endorse JKT on his groundbreaking run for governor of Alaska,” said Dominic Lozano, President of AKPFFA. “Alaska’s firefighters know we can count on JKT to lead our state in the right direction, and we have his back in turn. Alaskans can trust that JKT has the ability to get the job done. No one works harder for Alaska, and that’s why the firefighters are behind his campaign.”
Lozano continued, “I urge Alaskans to put partisan politics aside and choose the best candidate for all Alaskans. JKT’s bipartisan leadership aligns with our belief that Alaska needs a governor who is committed to working with both sides of the aisle to solve problems.”
AKPFFA’s endorsement builds on JKT’s growing support, including endorsements from SEIU 775, former Gov. Tony Knowles, and over 45 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.
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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