INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 1547 ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR

Sole endorsement recognizes JKT’s platform to produce abundant, affordable electricity in Alaska

September 2, 2026

Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) announced the sole endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1547 (IBEW Local 1547).

IBEW 1547 represents more than 4,200 workers across the state of Alaska in the electrical industry and many other diverse classifications and occupations. IBEW 1547 works to ensure all workers in the electrical industry and beyond are organized with better wages, a voice on the job, and safe working conditions.

“We know with JKT, we have an honest partner that will work with us to defend and expand collective bargaining rights, build Alaska’s electrical infrastructure, and help us in our mission to organize every Alaska electrical worker. JKT is the candidate in this race that can get Alaska back on track, put workers first, and deliver for our membership,” said IBEW 1547 Business Manager Brannon Nichols.

“We’re proud to stand with working Alaskans and earn IBEW 1547’s endorsement,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “It’s time to lower everyday costs, support an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and get Alaska back on track.”

IBEW Local 1547 is the eighth labor organization to join JKT’s growing cross-partisan coalition, which also includes the Alaska AFL-CIO, IUPAT Local 1959, Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, NEA-Alaska, 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 fishermens’ organizations Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and Cordova District Fishermen United; former Gov. Tony Knowles; 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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