KREISS-TOMKINS UNVEILS PLATFORM TO INSTITUTE MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS AND REGULATE AI
First plan from any gubernatorial candidate would also block data centers from raising electric bills and require local approval
July 23, 2026
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT), Democratic candidate for governor of Alaska, has released a platform aimed at protecting Alaskans from unwanted and unregulated data center development, as well as instituting commonsense guardrails around artificial intelligence technology.
JKT proposes a moratorium on all new data centers in the state until the legislature can pass comprehensive regulation on data center development. In addition, JKT’s plan would require local approval and ensure that Alaskans don’t shoulder electric rate increases or subsidize data center development.
With its abundant natural resources, Alaska has attracted interest from data center developers, but there is currently no statewide regulation or guardrails on data centers or AI, leaving the state behind both Democrat-led states (New York and California) and Republican-led states (Florida).
With today’s announcement, JKT becomes the first candidate for governor to release a plan on either data center regulation or AI regulation.
“Across Alaska, Alaskans are concerned about data center development, while our state government has taken no steps to pass regulation or protect Alaskans," said Kreiss-Tomkins. "We need a moratorium on all data centers until regulation can be passed.”
Before his run for governor, Kreiss-Tomkins spent several years working at a national nonprofit focusing on science and technology policy. Through this work, he worked on and supported national regulation of AI.
Building on his background and record supporting AI regulation, Kreiss-Tomkins is also proposing state action on the risks of AI itself: holding AI companies liable in Alaska courts for harms their products cause, banning deepfakes, requiring the disclosure of AI in political ads, cracking down on AI-enabled fraud and voice cloning aimed at kids and seniors, enforcing protections for children against harmful AI content, and requiring a human behind every state decision.
Kreiss-Tomkins’ full plan on data center and AI regulation is available here.
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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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