KREISS-TOMKINS EARNS SEIU ENDORSEMENT, RELEASES HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

Campaign touts plan for lower costs and better access for Alaskans

May 27, 2026 

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, candidate for Governor of Alaska, today released A Healthier Alaska, a healthcare platform aimed at bringing down what Alaskans pay for insurance, care, and prescription drugs. The plan also outlines steps to lower barriers to care — whether in Anchorage or off the road system. The platform's release coincided with the endorsement of Kreiss-Tomkins by SEIU 775, which represents more than 45,000 home care, residential care, and nursing home workers.

Alaskans pay among the highest healthcare costs in the country. Over one in three Alaskans relies on Medicaid for care.

"My mom was a family doctor at the hospital in Sitka. I grew up watching her take phone calls from worried neighbors struggling to navigate our complicated system," said Kreiss-Tomkins. "Alaskans deserve healthcare that is affordable and accessible. We have a long way to go. Compared to the Lower 48, we pay far more and far too many Alaskans still don’t have access to healthcare. I’m excited to get to work for them."

On the SEIU 775 endorsement, Kreiss-Tomkins added: "Care workers show up for seniors and Alaskans with disabilities. SEIU 775's backing means a tremendous amount to me — and it means we're going to do right by Alaska's caregivers and the patients who depend on their hard work."

Union members had this to say about Kreiss-Tomkins:

“Jonathan has been preparing for this since he was a young man. He learned from his family, like a lot of us have, what it means to take care of people outside of the big cities,” said Bernice Sallison, a SEIU 775 caregiver from Nunapichuk. “He's made good on his promises to stand up for all of us — for our languages, our vote, and our way of life — and I know we can count on him.”

“Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is a leader that has always put the wellbeing of everyday Alaskans as the top priority,” said Shanah Kinison, a SEIU 775 caregiver from Haines. “We need a Governor with integrity, and JKT has proven he is that leader. In his decade of service as my legislator, JKT stood up for Alaskans every single day, and I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish for Alaska as our Governor.”

“Alaskans deserve a Governor that listens to our concerns, and after meeting with him and sharing our perspectives as caregivers, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins proved he is the right person for the job,” said Evie McNamee, a SEIU 775 caregiver from Wasilla. “JKT understands the importance of our profession and has a record of being an honest and effective advocate for all working people in Alaska. As Governor, he will be a great resource to caregivers and all working Alaskans.”

“Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has spent his career fighting for working people in Alaska. From winning Medicaid expansion and a higher minimum wage to passing laws that respect and protect Alaska’s Native languages, JKT has a proven history of standing with caregivers and working people in Alaska,” said Sterling Harders, President of SEIU 775. “We trust his leadership and dedication to Alaska’s caregivers, and we’re endorsing him because we know he’s the best candidate to win the Governor’s seat and deliver real results that Alaskans are demanding.”

JKT’s full A Healthier Alaska platform is available at jktforak.com/healthcare.