COOK POLITICAL REPORT MOVES ALASKA GOVERNOR'S RACE TO “TOSS UP”
Second ratings shift toward Kreiss-Tomkins in as many weeks
September 18, 2026
The Cook Political Report (CPR) has revised its rating of Alaska's governor's race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up.” This change is CPR’s second shift toward Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) in the last two weeks. CPR cited new evidence that JKT "is opening up an advantage" in the four-way race.
The rating change comes as JKT’s campaign consolidates support among a broadening coalition of supporters across the state. The past week alone brought new endorsements from Republican former Senate President Rick Halford, former Republican candidate for governor Lesil McGuire, Teamsters Local 959, and Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 367. In announcing the rating change, CPR noted that “Kreiss-Tomkins is winning independent voters by 34 points.”
"Alaskans of every political stripe are ready for a governor who will focus on solving problems instead of picking fights," said Kreiss-Tomkins. "Zac and I are going to keep showing up in every corner of this state, listening to every voter we can connect with, and earning every vote between now and November."
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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 support Alaska schools, protect our fisheries, invest in infrastructure, fight corruption, and protect the Permanent Fund. 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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