51 ALASKA NATIVE LEADERS ENDORSE KREISS-TOMKINS FOR GOVERNOR
Statewide coalition underscores JKT’s commitment to govern for all of Alaska
August 13, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) announced a new slate of 51 endorsements from Alaska Native leaders from across the state. The endorsers — representing communities from Naknek to Klawock — are backing JKT’s vision to support Alaska’s schools, protect fisheries, and lower everyday costs like healthcare, electricity, fuel, and housing.
“I’m honored to have the support of so many leaders in Alaska Native communities, who have stewarded our lands and waters since time immemorial,” Kreiss-Tomkins said. “We need a governor who will defend subsistence, support Native culture and language, and stand up for rural Alaska.”
ALASKA NATIVE ENDORSERS LIST
These endorsements add to JKT’s field-leading coalition, which includes former governor Tony Knowles; over 60 current and former legislators, mayors, assembly members, city council members, and school board members; labor unions, including NEA-Alaska, Alaska State Employees Association/AFSCME Local 52 PAC, Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, SEIU 775, Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association; and commercial fishing organizations, including Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and Cordova District Fishermen United.
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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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