KREISS-TOMKINS LEADS IN ELECTION NIGHT RETURNS
With 70% of ballots estimated to be counted, JKT leads by over 2 points with 21.8% at 11:00 PM
August 18, 2026, 11:00 PM
With over 120,000 votes counted, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) is leading the 17-candidate primary field by a significant margin. Kreiss-Tomkins has received over 26,000 votes, 21.8% of the total counted so far.
As we wait for every vote to be counted, the results already make clear that Alaskans are demanding change after years of schools struggling, fisheries crashing, costs rising, and too many Alaskans feeling like they have to leave Alaska to build a future.
“Today, Alaskans took the first huge step in choosing a new direction for our state,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “We’re excited and humbled by the thousands of Alaskans who stood with our campaign to support our schools, protect our fisheries, lower everyday costs for energy, healthcare, and housing, and make it possible for Alaskans to build their futures here. Our movement is about saying ‘yes’ to new energy, new ideas and a future where Alaskans are excited to live, work, and raise the next generation. For the next eleven weeks, we will do everything we can to make that future a reality. We welcome all Alaskans to join us as we build a grassroots movement that’s energetic, cross-partisan, transparent, and tirelessly committed to solving Alaska’s problems.”
###
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.
###
