Democrats see opportunity for first governor in nearly 25 years
JUNEAU, Alaska — The consolidation of Democratic forces in Alaska’s gubernatorial race arrived on Monday’s deadline for candidates to exit the ballot, as Tom Begich’s withdrawal leaves the party unified behind Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for what Democrats view as a strong opportunity to elect Alaska’s first Democratic governor in nearly 25 years.
The Begich campaign reported raising more than $1.3 million before suspending operations. The campaign statement said continuing would have required millions more in additional resources.
Alaska’s election system sends the top four finishers from the Aug. 18 primary to the general election regardless of party. Begich finished just behind Kreiss-Tomkins in that primary, a contest that included 12 Republicans and some independents alongside the two Democrats. November’s general election will be decided by ranked-choice voting.
In a statement released late Friday, Begich and his running mate, Julia Hnilicka, said they were suspending their campaign and endorsing Kreiss-Tomkins. The statement said the campaign had reviewed internal data and information provided by Kreiss-Tomkins’ team.
After that review, Begich and Hnilicka concluded “that the strongest path to victory is to bring Democratic voters, donors and resources together behind one candidate,” the statement said.
“Rather than competing over visions that share so much in common, we are choosing to put our strength behind a shared vision for Alaska,” Begich said.
With Begich’s exit, Kreiss-Tomkins advances as the sole Democratic candidate into the November ranked-choice general election. Democrats have not held the Alaska governorship in nearly 25 years.