KODIAK SEINERS ASSOCIATION ENDORSES KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Commercial fishermen recognize JKT’s decade-plus of advocacy for balanced management and coastal Alaskan livelihoods
June 25, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson announced the endorsement of the Kodiak Seiners Association.
The Kodiak Seiners Association (KSA) advocates for Kodiak-area seine fishermen by protecting the value of the Kodiak salmon fishery and collaborating with other regional and industry stakeholders.
The Kodiak Seiners Association endorsement speaks to Kreiss-Tomkins’ knowledge and understanding of Alaska’s fisheries, and his work on behalf of commercial fishing communities in and out of the legislature. JKT served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives Fisheries Committee for 10 years, was endorsed throughout his legislative career by United Fishermen of Alaska, was engaged in the North Pacific Fishery Management Council process including testifying on behalf of Alaska’s interests, and served as a board member for the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust.
“Commercial fishing is the backbone of Alaska. I represented fishing communities for a decade in the legislature. I am running to be a champion for coastal Alaska communities that are powered by commercial fishing,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “As governor, our administration will restore balance to the Board of Fish, stand up for commercial fishermen, and protect Alaskan fisheries by keeping permits and quota in Alaskans’ hands and supporting fair process and science-based management.”
KSA’s endorsement builds on a coalition of endorsers that includes the Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, SEIU 775, former Gov. Tony Knowles, and elected leaders from Cordova to Kotzebue and Anchorage to Fairbanks.
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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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