JONATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS NAMES ZAC JOHNSON AS RUNNING MATE FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Marine Corps veteran and Anchorage Assembly member completes a ticket that will champion bipartisanship and represents generational change

June 1, 2026 

Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) announced Anchorage Assemblymember Zac Johnson, an independent, as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Johnson, who was born in Anchorage, has served as an Alaska State Trooper, a volunteer firefighter, and an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps, deploying to Iraq in 2003. He won election to represent the South Anchorage and Hillside Assembly district  in competitive races in 2023 and 2026.

Johnson’s addition to the ticket cements JKT’s commitment to bipartisan change, strong public schools, and a lower cost of living for all Alaskans. Johnson also brings deep experience in public safety and the everyday issues facing Alaskans, such as soaring energy prices and deteriorating infrastructure.

As an Assemblymember, Johnson has focused on practical solutions to bipartisan issues, such as protecting vulnerable tenants, public safety, and improving wildfire resilience. 

“I trust and respect Zac — as a leader and as a fellow Alaskan,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “He is thoughtful, pragmatic, and a great governing partner who is focused on solving problems and making Alaska a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“I’ve always admired and appreciated JKT’s willingness to work across party lines and tackle tough issues head-on,” said Johnson. “His commitment to serving Alaska and his decency as a human being are undeniable. Now more than ever, Alaskans need that kind of leadership: focused on solutions, not partisan games.”

Together, JKT and Johnson bring common sense and bipartisanship to Alaska’s challenges. They represent a new generation of leadership that will 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.