Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has been elected governor of Alaska, according to projections by the Associated Press and NBC News, delivering another victory for the Democratic Party following its gains in the November 3 US midterm elections.
Kreiss-Tomkins, 37, a former Alaska state legislator, defeated three Republican contenders, including a candidate endorsed by US President Donald Trump.
His victory marks a significant political shift in Alaska, which has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998, according to US media reports.
The result adds to a series of Democratic victories in state government and congressional races during this year’s midterm elections.
With Kreiss-Tomkins’ election, Democrats are projected to control 30 state governorships next year, strengthening the party’s representation in state executive offices.
During his campaign, Kreiss-Tomkins focused on economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living and the financial pressures facing Alaska residents.
He also advocated full funding for public schools, making education financing a central component of his campaign platform.
Another priority was regulating the construction of data centres, reflecting concerns about the expansion of large-scale technology infrastructure and its potential implications for local communities.
Kreiss-Tomkins received a notable endorsement from Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski, whose support crossed party lines in the closely watched gubernatorial contest.
Murkowski is among the relatively few Republican lawmakers who have publicly disagreed with Trump on certain domestic and foreign policy issues.
Her endorsement highlighted the cross-party support Kreiss-Tomkins attracted during the election campaign.
The Democratic candidate’s victory comes amid broader electoral gains for his party, which secured several important state and congressional contests in the November 3 midterms.
The outcome also represents a change in Alaska’s political leadership after nearly three decades without a Democratic gubernatorial election victory.
Kreiss-Tomkins is expected to take office next year, with his administration set to focus on affordability, education funding and oversight of data centre development.
The election result gives Democrats another governorship as the party prepares for the next phase of state and national political contests.