POLL: JKT IN STATISTICAL TIE FOR FIRST PLACE
Only candidate with net-positive favorability
July 31, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) released the results of a new poll by Change Research. JKT’s support climbed to 15%, two points behind Democrat Tom Begich and a statistical tie for first place, as the margin is well within the poll’s +/- 4.3% margin of error.
Notably, JKT is the only candidate in the field with net-positive favorability, meaning that more voters view him favorably than unfavorably. On this measure, JKT far outperforms every other candidate, with +12% favorability.
“Alaskans want change,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “That means great public schools, healthy fisheries, and lower costs for healthcare, electricity, housing, and childcare. It means a new generation of leadership with new energy, new ideas, and a proven ability to build coalitions across party lines. Our campaign is heading into August at maximum strength and only getting stronger. We’re working tirelessly to win the primary so we can get Alaska back on track.”
Meanwhile, JKT has garnered financial support from more Alaskans than any other candidate and a growing list of endorsers including the Alaska State Employees Association/AFSCME Local 52 PAC, the Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, SEIU 775, the Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, Kodiak Seiners Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Cordova District Fishermen United, former Gov. Tony Knowles, State Senator and former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Claman, and over 60 elected leaders from Cordova to Kotzebue who are backing JKT’s vision to get Alaska back on track.
The memo on the poll results can be accessed 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, JKT’s lieutenant governor running mate, 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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