KREISS-TOMKINS RELEASES 15 NEW ENDORSEMENTS FROM ALASKAN ELECTED OFFICIALS, BRINGING TOTAL TO OVER 60
Field-leading coalition from across Alaska rallies behind new generation of political leadership
August 6, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) announced a new slate of 15 endorsements from current and former elected leaders across Alaska, expanding the broad coalition backing his campaign to over 60 people, the largest number of elected or formerly elected endorsers publicized by any candidate.
The endorsers — from Unalaska to Yakutat — are united behind JKT's vision to support Alaska’s schools, protect fisheries, and lower everyday costs of healthcare, electricity, and housing. They cite his decade of legislative experience, his record of working across party lines, and the need for a new generation of leadership to tackle the crises facing Alaska families.
“I'm grateful to have the support of leaders from across Alaska who have spent their careers serving their communities,” Kreiss-Tomkins said. “These endorsements prove what this campaign is all about: bringing people together to solve problems and get Alaska back on track.”
“JKT knows what it’s like to grow up in rural Alaska. He knows the pressures that face our small, isolated communities. I know JKT is going to put all of our communities first,” said Natalie Dawson, former Haines Borough Assemblymember. “He has the energy and enthusiasm to meet this moment.”
JKT’s field-leading coalition includes support from former governor Tony Knowles, current and former legislators, mayors, assembly members, city council members, and school board members.
This tranche of endorsements comes on the heels of recent announcements that JKT has the highest favorability rating and the most grassroots Alaskan donors from the most Alaskan communities of any candidate.
NEW ENDORSEMENTS LIST
John Alcantra, Deputy Mayor, Palmer
Rick Allen, City Council Member, Palmer
Wáahlaal Gíidaak Blake, former City and Borough Assembly Member, Juneau
Cindy Bremner, Mayor, Yakutat
Charlie Davidson, former City Council Member, Kodiak
Natalie Dawson, former Borough Assembly Member, Haines
Jim Duncan, former Speaker of the House/Former State Senator, Anchorage (represented Juneau)
Patrick Flynn, former Assembly Member, Anchorage
Bill Fry, Mayor, City of Kachemak
David Gibson, School Board President, Unalaska
Frank Kelty, former Mayor, Unalaska
Sam Kito III, former State Representative, Anchorage (represented Juneau)
Heather Lende, former Borough Assembly Member, Haines
Caroline Venuti, City Council Member, Homer
Meg Zaletel, former Assembly Member, Anchorage
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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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