Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has won Alaska’s gubernatorial election for the first time since 1998, according to projections released Saturday by AP and NBC News. If the projections are confirmed, Alaska will become the 30th U.S. state with a Democratic governor.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins defeated three Republican candidates: Dave Bronson, Treg Taylor and Bernadette Wilson. His victory ends eight years of rule by Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
During the campaign, the Democratic candidate advocated, among other things, fully funding public schools with state money and imposing a corporate income tax on oil and fuel producers. Alaska’s economy relies largely on the oil and fuel industry.
The politician also called for a moratorium on building new data centers in the state until its lawmakers draw up regulations governing the issue.
Kreiss-Tomkins also said he wants to create a state administration that includes Democrats, Republicans and independents.
As a result of the Nov. 3 election, Democrats will hold the governor’s office in 30 of the 50 U.S. states, including Iowa, Ohio and Texas, where most voters have backed Republicans for years. Governors were elected in 36 states this year.
Kreiss-Tomkins will be sworn in on Dec. 7. (PAP)