Republican, independent and Democrat who led Alaska for a combined 16 years announce their support in joint op-ed
October 28, 2026
Yesterday, former Alaska Governors Frank Murkowski (R) and Bill Walker (I) endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. They joined one of JKT’s earlier endorsers, former Gov. Tony Knowles (D), in a joint op-ed published in the Anchorage Daily News and the Juneau Independent bearing the title, “3 former governors, 1 choice for Alaska.”
Governors Knowles (1994–2002), Murkowski (2002–2006) and Walker (2014–2018) held the governor’s office for a collective 16 years. In their op-ed, they acknowledge they have “not always agreed on issues facing our state,” but that governing requires “putting Alaska’s interest ahead of partisan politics.”
The former governors write that “JKT has not just expressed a willingness to bring Alaskans together but has demonstrated a record of doing just that.” They also cited his reputation for working across party lines and approaching complex issues “with thoughtfulness, respect and independence.”
The new endorsements from Govs. Walker and Murkowski underscore JKT’s ability to build coalitions extending beyond his own party. In ten years representing a Trump-voting district, he built a record of electoral overperformance with independent and Republican voters — the same crossover support that is powering his strong polling numbers in the governor’s race.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the support of Governors Murkowski, Walker, and Knowles,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “These three leaders have dedicated years of their lives to serving Alaska, and each understands firsthand the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading our state. Their support reflects something I’ve believed throughout my time in public service: Alaska is at its best when we put aside partisan differences and work together to get things done. We won’t always agree on everything, but we share a commitment to putting Alaska first, strengthening our economy, and building a better future for the next generation. That’s exactly the kind of leadership I’ll bring to the governor’s office.”
The three governors close the op-ed by urging Alaskans “of every political affiliation” to join them.
Govs. Murkowski, Walker, and Knowles join more than 80 current and former elected leaders who have endorsed JKT. The general election is Tuesday, November 3, and early voting is underway statewide.
Read the full op-ed here.
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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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