Tom Begich suspends campaign for Alaska governor
Former Alaska state senator and Democrat Tom Begich has announced the suspension of his campaign for governor of the state. He endorsed another Democratic candidate, former Alaska House of Representatives member Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, The Hill reports.
Lack of funding
In a video address published on the social network X, Begich explained his decision by a lack of funds. According to him, continuing the campaign through the November election would require millions more dollars that his team does not have.
Begich said his team discussed the situation with Kreiss-Tomkins and analyzed the data. In his view, the strongest path to a Democratic victory in November is to unite donors and resources around one candidate rather than have two Democrats compete.
Lieutenant governor candidate Julia Gnielicka, who was running alongside Begich, said that Kreiss-Tomkins shares their approaches to funding schools, energy affordability and housing.
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Election participants
Begich and Kreiss-Tomkins advanced to the general election following Alaska's open primary held earlier in August. According to Decision Desk HQ, Kreiss-Tomkins received nearly 23% of the vote, Begich just under 21%, and Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson 10%.
In November, Kreiss-Tomkins will face Wilson in the gubernatorial election to determine the successor to Republican Mike Dunleavy. Cook Political Report rates the race as “likely Republican.”
Kreiss-Tomkins supports expanding Medicaid coverage, lowering energy costs, funding public education and increasing affordable housing. He also supports a moratorium on new data centers until state lawmakers adopt comprehensive regulation for such projects. Wilson is campaigning, among other issues, in support of Alaska's oil and gas industry and cooperation with President Donald Trump.
