Politics
Tom Begich suspends Alaska gubernatorial campaign, endorsing Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
The former Democratic state senator exited the race citing financial constraints, consolidating Democratic support ahead of the November election.
The short version
- Former Democratic state senator Tom Begich suspended his campaign for governor of Alaska on Friday, citing funding limitations.
- Begich and his lieutenant governor running mate, Julia Hnilicka, endorsed fellow Democratic candidate and former state representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
- Kreiss-Tomkins will face Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson in the November general election to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy.
- The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the upcoming gubernatorial election as 'likely Republican.'
Key facts
- Former Democratic state senator Tom Begich withdrew from the Alaska governor's race, stating that continuing through November would require millions of dollars more than his campaign had raised.[The Hill]
- Begich endorsed former state Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins to unite Democratic resources and voters behind a single candidate.[The Hill]
- In Alaska's open primary earlier in August 2026, Kreiss-Tomkins led all candidates with nearly 23% of the vote, Begich placed second with just under 21%, and Republican Bernadette Wilson placed third with 10%.[The Hill]
- The contest seeks to succeed incumbent Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy.[The Hill]