ANCHORAGE MAYOR SUZANNE LAFRANCE ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Says Alaska needs a governor who will “move fast and tackle big issues”
October 16, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson announced the endorsement of Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance.
Mayor LaFrance’s endorsement is a vote of confidence from the executive of Alaska’s largest city, which is home to nearly 40% of the state’s population. She is the 14th current or former mayor of an Alaska community — from Fairbanks to Yakutat — to endorse JKT in the 2026 election cycle. Her endorsement signals growing enthusiasm across the political spectrum for JKT and Johnson’s cross-partisan campaign to get Alaska back on track.
“Alaska needs a governor who will work hand-in-hand with local leaders to move fast and tackle big issues to bring down costs for energy, housing, and childcare,” said LaFrance. “I have prioritized making Anchorage more affordable, rebuilding a government that works for residents, and improving public safety. I know JKT and Zac will help our community continue this momentum by investing in critical infrastructure, forward funding public education, and sparking housing construction. They’ll work to make Anchorage — and all of Alaska — a place where working families can afford to live, work, and put down roots.”
“Mayor LaFrance’s endorsement embodies what this campaign is all about: change and competent leadership that will make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of everyday Alaskans,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “I’m humbled to have her support as we build a coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and independents who are ready to come together, drive down costs, and solve problems.”
Mayor LaFrance served on the Anchorage Assembly from 2017 to 2023, including two years as Chair, before winning election as mayor in 2024. As Mayor, she has rebuilt the municipal government, invested in public safety, and sparked real housing growth across Anchorage. She grew up in Palmer, graduated from Alaska public schools, and has lived in Anchorage for over 25 years.
JKT’s growing cross-partisan coalition also includes the Alaska AFL-CIO, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, Western States Carpenters Union, Public Safety Employees Association Local 803, Anchorage Police Department Employees Association PAC, Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, Teamsters Local 959, UA Local 367, IBEW Local 1547, IUPAT Local 1959, Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific, NEA-Alaska, UAW Region 6 and Local 1907 (Alaska Graduate Workers Association), Alaska State Employees Association/AFSCME Local 52 PAC, Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, and SEIU 775; over 50 Alaska Native leaders; over 40 commercial fisheries leaders; the commercial fishermen’s organizations Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and Cordova District Fishermen United; former Gov. Tony Knowles; former Senate President Rick Halford (R); former State Senator Lesil McGuire (R); and over 60 elected Republicans, Democrats, and independents from Ketchikan to Kotzebue who are backing JKT’s vision to get Alaska back on track.
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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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