Murkowski Endorses Democrat for Alaska Governor
Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for Alaska governor. She urged voters of every party to back him and his running mate.
- 3 Republicans oppose him: Dave Bronson, Treg Taylor and Bernadette Wilson.
- Trump has endorsed Wilson to replace Dunleavy.
- Running mate Zac Johnson is an independent Anchorage Assembly member.
- Murkowski previously endorsed Democrat Mary Peltola for the U.S. House in 2024.
Why it matters: Murkowski's backing could help the only Democrat in a top-four, ranked choice general election. She cited fiscal policy, energy costs and economic growth.
- Murkowski told KTUU the Dunleavy administration left federal money on the table.
- Trump called her the Republicans' "worst senator by far" this week.
How 8 sources split on this story
Where they split: Both outlets agree on the facts; they differ on whether Murkowski's cross-party record reflects bipartisanship or disloyalty to the GOP.
Right coverage, 3 sources: The right frames the endorsement as Murkowski breaking with her party again, with some outlets calling her a RINO and tying it to her feud with Trump.
What’s next: Alaskans vote next week on the governor's race and a ballot measure to repeal ranked choice voting.
- The Justice Department has sued over Alaska's Senate race, citing possible confusion between two candidates named Sullivan. Murkowski says the state already handled it.
- Will Murkowski endorse Peltola against Sen. Dan Sullivan?
- How much will a Republican senator's endorsement move Republican voters?
