Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins won Alaska’s governor’s race after defeating three Republicans, including President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, and became the first Democrat elected to the office since 1998.
The Associated Press called the race after late-arriving ballots were counted. NBC News also projected Kreiss-Tomkins as the winner. Updated unofficial results put him above 50% of first-choice votes.
That was enough for him to win without Alaska’s ranked-choice tabulation. At 37, the former state representative from Sitka is set to become the youngest governor in Alaska’s history. He will succeed Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, who is barred from seeking another consecutive term.
The last Democratic governor, Tony Knowles, left office in 2002. Kreiss-Tomkins campaigned on affordability and public-school funding. He criticized the condition of Alaska’s ferry system.
The system serves communities that are not connected by roads. He proposed pausing new data-center construction until lawmakers establish regulations. He also promised an administration that includes people from different parties.
The result remains unofficial until state election officials certify it. Alaska Public Media reported that certification is scheduled for Nov. 25.