Blue Press Journal

Tag: Alaska Politics

  • Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins Wins Alaska Governor’s race

    November 15, 2026

    Former state legislator Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has won the race to become the first Democrat to be voted into the top executive position in Alaska since 1998 as part of Democrats gaining ground in state governments across the nation.

    Bald bearded man in a plaid shirt sitting against a snowy mountain backdrop

    A key race for the state was called by the Associated Press on Friday in favor of the 37-year-old, who is widely known by his initials JKT. The win brings the total number of Democratic governors across the nation to 30 out of 50.

    Kreiss-Tomkins beat three Republican candidates, businesswoman Bernadette Wilson who was backed by former President Donald Trump, former Anchorage mayor Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor who was the state’s attorney general.

    After a political turnaround three years after leaving the Alaska House of Representatives, Kreiss-Tomkins focused his campaign on affordable economics, fully funding state education, and ensuring that all oil and gas producers in the state pay corporation tax. He also pledged to put a pause on any new data centres until legislation can be put in place.

    Throughout the campaign, Kreiss-Tomkins attacked the state’s direction under the eight years of outgoing Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy. He focused on how core public services had suffered and pledged to improve the state ferry system. The ferry system is an important transport network for communities in southeast Alaska but has suffered many cuts in recent years.

    Kreiss-Tomkins pledged to take a bipartisan approach to government and promised to bring a Cabinet together 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,” Kreiss-Tomkins said during a candidates forum last month. “Let’s go! Let’s get Alaska moving again.”

    This bipartisan approach won him support from a range of high profile individuals including moderate Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski. He also gained support from three former Governors of Alaska, Democrat Tony Knowles, Independent Bill Walker and Republican Frank Murkowski.

    “Clearly, Alaskans want common sense leadership,” Kreiss-Tomkins said in a statement.

    “Our administration will not waste a single day getting to work to solve problems for Alaska.”

    Kreiss-Tomkins will be sworn in on Dec. 7 alongside his running mate, Independent Lt Gov Zac Johnson. The last Democratic leader of Alaska was Tony Knowles who was elected in 1998 and left office in 2002 having served two terms.

  • Alaska’s ‘Two Dan Sullivans’ Saga: How the DOJ and State Leaders Manufactured an Election Crisis

    NOVERMBER 1, 2026

    by Winston Wendell

    One of the latest stories in the current federal and state election landscape can be found in Alaska.

    Early votes are being cast in Alaska with two Dan Sullivans appearing on the ballot. This includes the Republican incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan and an independent challenger named Dan J. Sullivan Jr. This resulted in immediate alarm from those with the GOP in Washington and Anchorage.

    A composite image featuring two men side by side. The left side shows a man with gray hair wearing a green hoodie and smiling, while the right side displays a man with blond hair dressed in a formal suit and tie, appearing serious.

    Manufactured Voter Confusion

    However, according to reports from NBC News and those on the ground. Alaskans are not confused. Voters spoken to by the media were clear in stating they know what they’re doing. The state ballot clearly states the incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan (with his middle initial) and the Republican candidate. The second candidate is also clearly stated to be an independent with no party.

    Those in Alaska have also said that they don’t see this as an issue. Anyone with a basic level of attention would be able to tell them apart. However, the federal and state bodies have used this to create a major political controversy.

    A Disturbing Decision From the DOJ

    The Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has confirmed that they are investigating claims that the Democratic campaigns were involved in bringing in the second Dan Sullivan to deliberately reduce votes.

    This swift response is a concerning waste of resources and a blatant political maneuver. Given the Trump administration’s history of pressuring federal law enforcement to intervene in political matters, it appears that this is being employed to generate negative headlines. Utilizing federal investigators to investigate the state political race based on flimsy claims that the candidate denies and is allegedly involved in will compromise the DOJ’s neutrality.

    The State Executive Responding

    The state executive has also been quick to get involved in this political issue. Rather than reassuring the public, Governor Mike Dunleavy, Republican, and his administration have supported the political panic.

    A valid point to consider is that this issue was already addressed by the Alaska Supreme Court, which found no problems. The ballot clearly distinguishes between the two options to avoid any confusion for the voters.

    Rather than treating Alaskans as competent individuals who can clearly read the ballot paper, the governors support for the federal partisanship has caused unnecessary confusion in the state elections. By supporting the federal interference and not pushing back on the idea that Alaskans are easily confused, the state leaders have shown they care more about party than competency.

    What it means

    Overall, there is very little confusion from Alaskans over the two Dan Sullivans but plenty to show how weak our political bodies are. It is clear that Alaskans don’t need federal prosecution or state governors to help them vote.

    Alaskans deserve a clean election. The DOJ and state leaders should stop treating voters as part of their political game and let democracy take place.