STATE SENATOR MATT CLAMAN ENDORSES JKT FOR GOVERNOR
First former candidate to endorse consolidates Democratic support behind Kreiss-Tomkins’ vision for change
July 24, 2026
Today, Democratic candidate for Alaska governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) and lieutenant governor running mate Zac Johnson received the endorsement of State Senator Matt Claman (D).
Sen. Claman, who has represented West Anchorage in the Alaska Legislature since 2015, and previously served as a member of the Anchorage Assembly and Acting Mayor of Anchorage, was the third and only other Democrat in the governor’s race before withdrawing last month. His endorsement, in combination with this week’s campaign finance reports showing that JKT’s campaign has more Alaskan donors than any other campaign for governor, signals a surge in momentum with fewer than four weeks left until the primary.
As a senior member of Alaska’s Democratic Party, Sen. Claman’s endorsement shows an enthusiasm for passing the baton to a new generation of political leadership in Alaska.
“Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has the grit, energy, and innovative ideas that Alaska needs,” said Sen. Claman. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership in this state and JKT is running to win with a broad coalition. I’m proud to support JKT and the change he represents.”
“I’m thrilled to have Sen. Matt Claman’s endorsement,” said Kreiss-Tomkins. “Through his long career in public service, Sen. Claman has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and an uncommon ability to solve problems and broker compromises that move Alaska forward. His endorsement builds on the strong grassroots energy we’ve built across Alaska — with the most Alaskan donors from the most communities of any campaign for governor.”
Sen. Claman’s endorsement adds to JKT’s field-leading coalition of endorsers, including former Gov. Tony Knowles, Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers, SEIU 775, Cordova District Fishermen United, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Kodiak Seiners Association, and over 60 elected leaders from Cordova to Kotzebue and Anchorage to Fairbanks 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 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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