Alaska just reminded the rest of the country how unpredictable its "top-four" primary system really is. If you're paying attention to the 2026 midterms, you’ve likely seen the headlines about Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state representative known to many as JKT, securing a spot in the general election for governor.
It’s easy to look at the numbers and assume it’s just another standard campaign cycle. But in Alaska, the standard rules don’t apply. With a non-partisan primary that sends the top four finishers—regardless of party—to the November ballot, the traditional "nominee" label is effectively dead.
The new reality of Alaska primaries
Most states operate on a closed or semi-closed system where parties act as gatekeepers. Not here. In Alaska, you aren't just voting for a Democrat or a Republican; you're voting for one of four candidates who will fight it out in the fall.
Kreiss-Tomkins, a Democrat, currently leads the pack, followed by former state senator Tom Begich. They’re currently outperforming a field of Republican challengers like Bernadette Wilson and Dave Bronson. If this were a traditional primary, people would be talking about a "divided" field or "splitting the vote." But because Alaska uses an all-party, non-partisan primary, the results aren't just about party affiliation—they’re about who can actually build a coalition that spans the center.
Why ranked choice matters for you
If you live in Alaska, or if you’re just watching the state’s political evolution, it’s vital to understand that the primary was only the first step. The general election in November is where Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) kicks in, and it changes how every single voter should approach their ballot.
You don't just pick one person and hope for the best. You get to rank your favorites in order of preference.
Here is why that matters:
- No more spoiler effect: You can vote for a candidate you truly believe in without worrying that you’re accidentally handing the win to someone you dislike.
- Majority support required: To win the governorship, a candidate has to prove they have the support of more than 50% of the electorate.
- Your voice stays active: If your first-choice candidate gets eliminated in the tabulation rounds, your vote automatically transfers to your second choice.
People often get intimidated by the idea of ranking candidates. They think it’s complex. Honestly, it’s not. It’s just giving you more information to pass on to the state. You don’t have to rank every candidate if you don’t want to, but doing so ensures you have a say in the final outcome.
The JKT factor
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins hasn't been in the state legislature for three years, but he’s running a campaign focused on the basics—schools, roads, and the Permanent Fund. That kind of "back to basics" messaging is landing well in a state that has felt the pinch of rising costs and failing infrastructure.
His path forward isn't guaranteed. Because Alaska’s general election is now a multi-round, ranked-choice event, the math doesn't stop on election night. The real work for these campaigns is going to be in the "second-choice" recruitment. Can a candidate who appeals to one base also be the second choice for someone who preferred a different candidate in the primary? That’s where the 2026 governor’s race will be won or lost.
How to track the final results
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, don't rely on pundits or social media hot takes. The Alaska Division of Elections is the only place to see the actual, verified data as it comes in.
When November 3rd rolls around, watch for the tabulation rounds. If no candidate hits that 50% plus one mark on the first count, the state will start the process of eliminating the lowest-performing candidates and reallocating their votes until someone hits the majority.
Stop waiting for the "final" call on election night. In a ranked-choice state, the real story often happens in the days following, as the final preferences are tabulated and a true majority winner emerges. Check the official voter resources to see exactly how your district is participating. Stay informed, rank your choices, and pay attention to the math. That's the only way to know who’s actually leading the pack.
