Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins wins Alaska governor, the state's first Democratic win since 1998
He topped 50% in a four-way race, so no ranked-choice count is needed. He takes office Dec. 7.
Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has won the race for Alaska governor, the Associated Press and NBC News projected Friday evening, Reuters reported. He will be the first Democrat Alaska has elected governor since 1998, and he replaces term-limited Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Kreiss-Tomkins, 37, a former Democratic state lawmaker, crossed 50% in results the Alaska Division of Elections released Thursday, Alaska Public Media reported. A majority of first-choice votes wins outright under Alaska's ranked-choice system, so no ranked-choice count is needed. His closest rival, Trump-endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson, had 28.7%. About 35,000 ballots were still out as of Thursday, which his campaign says come from areas he is favored to win.
"Alaskans voted for change and for a government that works across party lines to move Alaska forward," Kreiss-Tomkins said when he declared victory.
What he ran on
Kreiss-Tomkins campaigned on lowering the cost of living, fully funding public schools and regulating data center construction, Reuters reported. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed him. Democrat Tom Begich, who also advanced from the August primary, dropped out and backed him, USA Today reported. Trump carried Alaska in the last three presidential elections.
Alaska is part of a pattern of Democrats flipping governors' offices this cycle: Iowa, Nevada, Texas, Ohio and Georgia on election night, then Kansas. Reuters reported the Alaska win gives Democrats 30 governorships next year.
What comes next
Overseas ballots are due Nov. 18, the day of the final count. The state's target date to certify the election is Nov. 25, and the new governor is sworn in at noon on Dec. 7, according to the Alaska Division of Elections calendar.
Alaska's U.S. Senate race is still uncalled. Democrat Mary Peltola led Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by about 5,800 votes Friday afternoon, Democracy Docket reported, and Dunleavy has refused to commit to signing off on certification if Peltola wins. A federal judge threw out the Trump Justice Department's suit to block a narrow Peltola win; the department is appealing.
Sources
- Reuters (via Yahoo News): Alaska elects first Democratic governor since 1998, US media project
- USA Today (via Yahoo News): Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins wins Alaska governor's race
- Alaska Public Media: JKT declares victory after topping 50% in Alaska governor's race
- Democracy Docket: Democrat wins Alaska governor race
- Alaska Division of Elections: 2026 election calendar
Comments ()