Alaska has elected its first Democratic governor in 28 years. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a 37-year-old former state representative from the small island community of Sitka, won the governor’s race outright with more than 50 per cent of first-choice votes, and will become the youngest governor in Alaska’s history when he takes office.
Associated Press calls the Alaska governor’s race
The Associated Press called the race on Friday, more than a week after Election Day, after days of counting in one of the last uncalled races of the 2026 midterm elections. With roughly 96 per cent of the estimated vote tallied, Kreiss-Tomkins had taken 50.8 per cent of first-choice votes, about 139,293 ballots, defeating three Republican challengers. His closest rival, Republican businesswoman Bernadette Wilson, received 28.7 per cent.
Because Kreiss-Tomkins secured more than half of first-choice votes, no further rounds of ranked-choice redistribution were needed. The result remains unofficial until the Alaska Division of Elections certifies it, which state officials have scheduled for 25 November.
A 28-year drought ends for Alaska Democrats
Alaska last elected a Democratic governor in 1998, when Tony Knowles won re-election. Knowles served until 2002, and Republicans have held the office ever since. Kreiss-Tomkins will succeed outgoing Governor Mike Dunleavy, a term-limited Republican who has governed since 2018.
The victory gives Democrats control of 30 governors’ offices, the most since 2010, following a strong midterm performance that also saw the party flip governorships in states including Iowa, Georgia, Ohio and Texas.
Denali, the highest mountain in North America, rises over the Alaskan wilderness. Kreiss-Tomkins will be the first governor born in Alaska after statehood.
Who is Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins?
Jonathan Septer Kreiss-Tomkins was born in Sitka, Alaska, on 7 February 1989. He studied at Yale College before leaving without a degree to enter state politics, and served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 35th district from 2013 to 2023. Known across Alaska by his initials JKT, he campaigned on bipartisan cooperation and said his cabinet would include Republicans, Democrats and independents.
At 37, he will be the youngest governor in Alaska’s history, the first governor born in Alaska after statehood, and next year the youngest sitting governor in the United States. He will take office at noon on 7 December 2026, with independent Zac Johnson as lieutenant governor.
FAKTA
- Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, 37, won the Alaska governor’s race with 50.8 per cent of first-choice votes.
- He is the first Democrat elected governor of Alaska since Tony Knowles in 1998 — a gap of 28 years.
- He will be the youngest governor in Alaska’s history and the first born in the state after statehood.
- He succeeds term-limited Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, in office since 2018.
- He takes office at noon on 7 December 2026; results will be certified on 25 November.
- Democrats will hold 30 governorships, the most since 2010.
What the result means for Alaska
Kreiss-Tomkins declared victory on Friday morning, saying Alaskans had voted for a government that works across party lines. His win came in a state where registered Democrats account for just 11 per cent of the electorate, and where voters also chose to retain ranked-choice voting by defeating a ballot measure to scrap it.
Business leaders and energy sector executives are now watching his stance on resource development, particularly oil, natural gas and critical mineral extraction permits on state and federal lands. Final results are scheduled to be released on 18 November, ahead of certification on 25 November.
