Current and former elected officials, business leaders, and community advocates from across Alaska join growing cross-partisan coalition
November 1, 2026
Today, Alaska governor candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson announced that more than 80 prominent Republican and independent Alaskans have endorsed their campaign. The endorsements represent a broad coalition of Alaskans, from local government leaders and legislators to businesses and community organizations across the state. In their support for JKT, these leaders cite the need for fiscal responsibility, affordable energy, a stronger economy, stable public services, and a governor willing to work across the aisle to deliver results for working families.
"Our campaign is grateful to have the support of so many Alaskans who understand what it takes to serve our communities, create jobs, and balance the budget," said Kreiss-Tomkins. "We all understand that Alaska's challenges are bigger than party labels. Getting our state back on track means bringing people together and finding practical solutions to our state’s most pressing challenges."
The latest list of Republican and independent endorsers includes:
FORMER & CURRENT ELECTED OFFICIALS:
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADERS:
JKT’s growing cross-partisan coalition also includes the Alaska AFL-CIO, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, Western States Carpenters Union, Laborers’ International Union of North America Locals 341, 942, and 71, Public Safety Employees Association Local 803, Anchorage Police Department Employees Association PAC, Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, Teamsters Local 959, UA Local 367, IBEW Local 1547, IUPAT Local 1959, Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific, NEA-Alaska, UAW Region 6 and Local 1907 (Alaska Graduate Workers Association), Alaska State Employees Association/AFSCME Local 52 PAC, Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, and SEIU 775; over 50 Alaska Native leaders; over 40 commercial fisheries leaders; the commercial fishermen’s organizations Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and Cordova District Fishermen United; former Gov. Tony Knowles; and over 80 current and former elected leaders from Ketchikan to Kotzebue who are backing JKT’s vision to 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 support Alaska schools, protect our fisheries, invest in infrastructure, fight corruption and protect the Permanent Fund. 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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