Cordova fishing group endorses Kreiss-Tomkins for governor

Cordova District Fishermen United endorsed Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor on July 15, giving the Democratic candidate his third commercial fishing organization endorsement of the campaign, according to the campaign's announcement. The group, which promotes safety, legislation, conservation, management, and the welfare of north-central Gulf of Alaska commercial fishermen across all gear groups, joins the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association, whose board voted to back Kreiss-Tomkins on July 10, and the Kodiak Seiners Association.

The campaign said the endorsement reflects Kreiss-Tomkins' record on fisheries policy, including a decade on the Alaska State House Fisheries Committee, endorsements throughout his legislative career from United Fishermen of Alaska, engagement with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and service on the board of the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust. He left the chamber in January 2023 after representing Sitka for ten years.

Kreiss-Tomkins said his background connects directly to the industry's concerns.

"Commercial fishing is the backbone of coastal Alaska. I represented commercial fishermen across all gear groups, similar to CDFU's members, for a decade in the legislature. I am running to be a champion for commercial fishing and coastal Alaska communities such as Cordova that are powered by the fishing industry. As governor, our administration will restore balance to the Board of Fish, stand up for commercial fishermen, and protect Alaskan fisheries by keeping permits and quota in Alaskans' hands and supporting fair process and science-based management."

The CDFU endorsement adds to a broader coalition the campaign lists as including labor groups such as SEIU 775 and the Alaska Public Employees Association, the Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association, and former Gov. Tony Knowles. The campaign release did not include a quote from a named CDFU official.