JESSE SUMNER ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Wasilla former state representative and homebuilder all-in for lower costs and fiscal responsibility
October 22 , 2026
Today, Alaska governor candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson announced the endorsement of Republican businessman and former State Representative Jesse Sumner.
A lifelong resident of the Mat-Su Valley, former Rep. Sumner represented Wasilla-area District 28 in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2023 to 2025, chairing the Labor and Commerce Committee. Before joining the legislature, he served on the Wasilla Planning Commission and was elected to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly in 2018, representing North Palmer and Wasilla. He co-owns Sumner Company Homes, a homebuilding company active in the Mat-Su Valley. Prior to joining JKT’s cross-partisan coalition, former Rep. Sumner was Republican Matt Heilala’s lieutenant governor running mate in this year’s primary election.
Former Rep. Sumner is the second Republican former legislator to endorse JKT this week, coming on the heels of former State Senator Gary Wilken.
“I am a Republican, and I believe Alaska needs leaders who are focused on getting results, not playing partisan politics,” said Sumner. “Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Zac Johnson understand the challenges our state faces, from the rising cost of living to the need for responsible resource development, better schools, and a stronger economy. They are willing to listen, work across party lines, and put Alaskans first. That's the kind of leadership we need, and I'm proud to support them.”
“Jesse Sumner has built homes, created jobs, served in state government, and fought for fiscal responsibility,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “He knows Alaska needs a balanced budget, a building boom, and a governor who will work across the aisle to solve problems and bring new energy to Alaska. That’s what we are running to deliver, and we’re thrilled to have Jesse’s backing.”
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); former State Senator Gary Wilken (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 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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