Kreiss-Tomkins Becomes First Democrat Since 1998 Elected Governor In Alaska

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska voters have elected a Democrat for governor for the first time since 1998, part of a national midterm elections wave that gave the party sweeping wins…

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska voters have elected a Democrat for governor for the first time since 1998, part of a national midterm elections wave that gave the party sweeping wins in state governments across the country.

Former state lawmaker Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins defeated three Republicans, including one endorsed by President Donald Trump. His victory 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.

Kreiss-Tomkins, often referred to as JKT, completed a political comeback three years after leaving the state House. He traveled throughout Alaska to build his coalition and focused on affordability, advocated for full funding of public schools and called for all oil and gas producers to pay corporate income tax. He also sought a moratorium on new data centers until state lawmakers pass regulations for their development.

He said Alaska had become “broken” under eight years of outgoing Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy and needed a change. 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 also have limited air service.

Kreiss-Tomkins, 37, emphasized a willingness to work across party lines and said 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 last month. “Let’s go, and let’s get Alaska back on track.”

Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who has at times been at odds with her party, including Trump, endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins a week before the election.

Three former governors — Democrat Tony Knowles, independent Bill Walker and Republican Frank Murkowski, the senator’s…

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