INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Sole endorsement recognizes JKT’s platform to build in Alaska
October 7, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson announced the sole endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 (IUOE Local 302).
IUOE Local 302 has been representing skilled workers in Alaska since before statehood, including equipment operators, heavy-duty mechanics, and service oilers. IUOE Local 302 members have helped build the roads, bridges, ports, pipelines, and infrastructure that Alaska depends on.
IUOE Local 302’s endorsement highlights the trust JKT has garnered from working Alaskans, including resource development workers and conservatives, based on his platform to lower costs, grow good jobs, and build infrastructure in Alaska.
“We support Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor because he understands the importance of investing in Alaska’s workforce, creating good-paying jobs, and building the infrastructure our communities need,” said IUOE Local 302 Business Manager Daren Konopaski. “JKT understands that Alaska’s future depends on skilled workers and strong communities, and we are proud to stand with him.”
“We’re proud to stand with working Alaskans and earn the Operating Engineers Local 302’s endorsement,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “Our campaign is committed to lowering everyday costs, advancing the Alaska LNG project, and expanding work opportunities for every skilled laborer in Alaska.”
JKT’s growing cross-partisan coalition also includes the Alaska AFL-CIO, 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, 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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