Alaska firefighters union backs JKT for governor

The Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association endorsed Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and his running mate Zac Johnson for governor on Wednesday, giving the Democratic gubernatorial ticket the union's sole backing in the race.

APFFA President Dominic Lozano praised Kreiss-Tomkins' leadership and work ethic in announcing the endorsement. "The Alaska Professional Fire Fighters are proud to endorse JKT on his groundbreaking run for governor of Alaska," Lozano said. "Alaska's firefighters know we can count on JKT to lead our state in the right direction, and we have his back in turn. Alaskans can trust that JKT has the ability to get the job done. No one works harder for Alaska, and that's why the firefighters are behind his campaign."

Lozano also called on voters to look past party lines. "I urge Alaskans to put partisan politics aside and choose the best candidate for all Alaskans," he said. "JKT's bipartisan leadership aligns with our belief that Alaska needs a governor who is committed to working with both sides of the aisle to solve problems."

Running mate Zac Johnson, an Anchorage Assembly member, volunteered as a firefighter and EMT with the Girdwood Fire Department before joining the Alaska State Troopers. "It is difficult to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice the job demands until you've lived it," Johnson said. "Our firefighters take care of us, and I believe we, in turn, have an obligation to take care of them."

Kreiss-Tomkins, born and raised in Sitka, represented Southeast Alaska for a decade in the Alaska State House before retiring from the legislature in 2023. "Firefighters give so much to our communities," he said. "I am committed to lead as they do and build an administration that takes care of our fellow Alaskans."

Labor Coalition

The firefighters' endorsement adds to a list of backers that the campaign says includes APEA/AFT, SEIU 775, former Gov. Tony Knowles, and more than 45 elected leaders from Cordova to Kotzebue and Anchorage to Fairbanks.