Alaska Elects First Democratic Governor Since 1998

Voters elected Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins as the next governor of Alaska, according to projections by the Associated Press and NBC News.

The 37-year-old former state lawmaker defeated three Republican opponents—including a candidate backed by US President Donald Trump—marking the first time Alaska has elected a Democratic governor since 1998.

Kreiss-Tomkins built his campaign around lowering the cost of living, securing full funding for public schools, and regulating data centre construction.

His bid also drew bipartisan support through an endorsement from Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has occasionally broken with Trump on domestic and foreign policy issues.

Alaska has elected its first democratic governor since 1998 (News Central TV) — Election officials process ballots from the US midterm election at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska, US, November 11, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Kerry Tasker

According to US media reports, this latest win adds to a broader wave of Democratic victories in state and US congressional races during the November 3 midterm elections, bringing the party’s total to 30 state governorships next year.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.