Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins wins Alaska governor's race

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 22:26 · Archive

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state legislator, has become Alaska's first Democratic governor since 1998.

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a 37-year-old former state legislator, has won Alaska's gubernatorial election, becoming the state's youngest governor and the first Democrat elected to the office since 1998. He defeated three Republican candidates, including one endorsed by President Trump.

Kreiss-Tomkins completed a political comeback three years after leaving the state House. He travelled throughout Alaska to build his coalition and focused his campaign on economic concerns and promises of change. His platform centred on tackling affordability, ensuring full funding for public education, requiring all oil and gas producers to pay corporate income taxes, and seeking a moratorium on new data centres until state lawmakers establish regulations for their development.

Throughout his campaign, Kreiss-Tomkins sharply criticised the leadership of outgoing Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, arguing that Alaska had become 'broken' during his eight years in office. He cited among other issues a state ferry system that he said has been left in shambles, with routes to many communities cut drastically. The ferry is a key mode of transportation for southeast Alaska communities not connected by roads, some of which have limited air service.

Kreiss-Tomkins emphasised a willingness to work across party lines, stating he wanted a Cabinet with Republicans, Democrats and independents. 'If they're competent, if they're service-minded, if they're entrepreneurial, if they're problem-solvers, you're on the team. Game on,' he said during a candidate forum. 'Let's go, and let's get Alaska back on track.' Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has at times been at odds with her party and with Trump, endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins a week before the election.

His victory is part of a broader national midterm elections wave that has given Democrats sweeping wins in state governments across the country. The win means Democrats will control the governor's office in 30 states, including several they flipped after years of Republican control in places such as Iowa, Georgia, Ohio and Texas.

How it is being reported

• Democrat wins Alaska governor’s seat for first time in nearly 30 yearsJonathan Kreiss-Tomkins’ victory means Democrats will now hold 30 US governorships after midterm blowout Democrats have captured Alaska ’s governor’s seat for the first time in nearly three decades, marking another major victory for their party in a midterm election period that has dramatically shifted political power across the US. Former Alaska state legislator Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins defeated three Republican opponents, including a candidate backed by Donald Trump , becoming the first Democrat elected governor of Alaska since 1998. Continue reading...The Guardian · 14 Nov, 16:58
• Alaska elects its first Democrat governor in nearly 30 years in major blow to TrumpThe former state lawmaker defeated three Republicans, including one endorsed by President Donald TrumpIndependent World · 14 Nov, 16:02
• Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins becomes first Democrat since 1998 elected governor in AlaskaHis victory means Democrats will control the governor’s office in 30 states.New York Post · 14 Nov, 07:17
• Alaska elects first Democrat governor since 1998Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, also known as JKT, campaigned on issues including affordability and funding of public schoolsCBS News · 14 Nov, 07:11
• Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins wins race for Alaska governor, replaces a RepublicanKreiss-Tomkins, a former state legislator, ran a campaign emphasizing bipartisanship in the the state that usually votes Republican. At 37, he'll be the youngest governor in the state's history.NPR · 14 Nov, 05:12

In this story: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins · Mike Dunleavy · Lisa Murkowski · Donald Trump · Alaska

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