YOU, TOO, Can ENdorse JKT!

A Guide for supporters

Thank you for your support! A short written or video message on social media — honest, personal, and straight from the heart — can go a long way in showing why Alaskans from all backgrounds are supporting JKT.

For op-eds and letters to the editor, please see this doc for guidance: JKT op-ed and letter-to-the-editor guide

STEP #1: GET INSPIRED BY…

  1. China’s Facebook post

  2. Hannah's Facebook post

  3. John’s video

  4. Barb’s video

  5. Kes’ community perspective in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

  6. Nancy’s op-ed in the Homer Independent

  7. Pat’s op-ed in ADN

  8. Nicky’s letter in the News-Miner

  9. Jan’s letter in the Homer Independent

  10. Mike’s op-ed in ADN

STEP #2: PICK YOUR ANGLE

The most effective thing you can do is tell about your personal connection to JKT, and what he’s done to earn your trust. Here are some prompts to help you get started – pick one or two, not all:

  • Why do you trust JKT?

  • Got an anecdote — whether serious or entertaining — that feels “superlatively JKT?”If you had 30 seconds to tell a friend why you're supporting JKT, what would you say?

  • What’s an issue you care deeply about – and how will JKT be able to help?

  • Let me tell you about a time when JKT ____.

  • You might be surprised to know that JKT _____.

  • In his career, JKT has demonstrated _____.

  • What kind of future do you want for Alaska, and how does JKT fit into that vision?

  • What would you say to someone who’s undecided about this race?

  • Why do you think Alaska needs someone like JKT right now?

STEP #3: BE YOURSELF

  • Keep it simple and speak from your heart.

  • Tell a story. The best testimonial is one only you could give.

  • When in doubt, shorter is better.

  • A bit of humor, warmth, or hometown pride is always welcome!

STEP #4: IF YOU’RE DOING A VIDEO

Film videos where you feel comfortable, whether that be your kitchen, garage, office, cockpit, or even out on a hike. It doesn’t need to be polished. The most effective advocate is the real you in your own voice.

Aim to keep video messages around 30 seconds. Feel free to jot down a few thoughts ahead of time, but it doesn’t need to be perfect.

For the best quality video:

  • Hold your phone vertically (up-and-down)

  • Position the camera at the speaker’s eye level and a full arm’s length away

  • Make sure you’re well-lit, face a window for natural light or use a lamp

  • Keep your environment as quiet as possible (no honking, AC noises, weather, etc.)

  • Frame the shot with your head and shoulders in the center of the video

  • Start by saying your name and what community in Alaska you’re from

STEP #6: SHARE YOUR MESSAGE!

Post it, put it on stories, tag us, and invite the campaign as a collaborator (@jktforak on Insta and JKT for Gov on Facebook).

Message us a heads up so we can like, share, and comment on it from the campaign’s accounts!

And don’t forget to accept JKT’s follow request. :)

THAT’S IT — THANK YOU! 

Thank you for lending your voice and sharing your support for JKT. Our campaign is by and for every Alaskan who knows it’s time for change!

Questions? Reach out anytime: taylor@jktforak.com

APPENDIX

Talking points

  • You trust JKT or know his work. If you’ve met JKT, worked with him, or watched him in the Legislature, say so. Who you are matters!

  • JKT can win. He’s the only Democratic governor candidate who has won against a Republican before. He won five elections in a rural district that voted for Trump; plenty of people voted Trump and JKT on the same ballot. During his 10 years in office, JKT was among the legislature’s highest over-performing Democrats (meaning he won over voters other Democrats didn’t). If we want to beat Bernadette Wilson or Dave Bronson in November, we need JKT.

  • Alaska needs change. JKT is almost half the age of some other candidates in the race (yet he has 10 years of legislative experience, more than most other candidates running!). He doesn’t belong to a political family. JKT is a new generation of leadership.

  • JKT’s record. Ten years in the Legislature, six chairing House State Affairs. Made Alaska’s 20 Native languages official, cut trawl bycatch, led ethics reform.

  • Beyond the Railbelt. Born and raised in Sitka — knows the ferries, is a fish nerd, and understands the cost of living off the road system.

  • Works across theaisle. Republicans who served with him say he was fair, honest, and effective. He chaired a bipartisan fiscal group and was part of the Bipartisan Coalition.

  • Your issue. Education, fisheries, cost of living — tie JKT to the one you care most about.

Superlatives & Numbers

  • All 19 boroughs. JKT is the only candidate to visit all 19 of Alaska’s boroughs — including a 450-mile boat trip to 11 Yukon River villages and a 300-mile snowmachine trip through the Northwest Arctic Borough.

  • The most Alaskan donors, in the most communities. More Alaskans (1,569) have donated to JKT than to any other candidate.Our fellow supporters live in 67 communities across the state (as of the July 20 financial reports).

  • Median donation: $50. JKT has the lowest average donation of any Democrat running. Our campaign is truly grassroots.

  • 60+ endorsements from elected and formerly elected Alaskans, including Alaska’s last Democratic governor, Tony Knowles. Dozens more endorsements from Alaska Native leaders and commercial fishermen.