In a significant political move, Senator Lisa Murkowski has publicly endorsed Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, the Democratic candidate for governor of Alaska, just days before the upcoming election. This decision stands in stark contrast to her fellow Republicans, including Trump-backed candidate Bernadette Wilson.
Murkowski, known for her critical stance towards former President Donald Trump among Senate Republicans, expressed her support for Kreiss-Tomkins in an interview with NBC affiliate KTUU in Anchorage. She characterized him as “a young Alaskan with a view and a perspective that I think Alaska needs right now,” praising his energy and collaborative nature.
Highlighting her concerns about the divisiveness of the Republican candidates on the ballot, Murkowski emphasized the need for a governor who can engage effectively with the Legislature, a requirement for successful representation in Washington, D.C. She stated, “We need a governor who’s going to work with the Legislature. That has got to happen for the delegation to be successful back in Washington, D.C.”
In response to Murkowski’s endorsement, Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state legislator, expressed gratitude for her backing, noting her integrity and history of bipartisan cooperation. He remarked, “I have a lot of respect for Lisa, her integrity. I think she’s worked across the aisle in Congress, which is a quality I really admire and hope to live up to if I’m elected governor.” Kreiss-Tomkins mentioned that he and Murkowski had engaged in meaningful conversations during his campaign, which led her to confidently support his candidacy.
As the race heats up to replace the term-limited Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, Kreiss-Tomkins faces competition from former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, former state Attorney General Treg Taylor, and Wilson, who received Trump’s endorsement earlier this month. The NBC News Decision Desk has rated the governor’s race as leaning Democratic, reflecting the changing political landscape in Alaska, a state that Trump had previously won in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Murkowski has raised concerns about Wilson’s potential unwillingness to cooperate with Democratic lawmakers, asserting that the next governor must be capable of fostering bipartisan relationships. In contrast, Wilson reacted to Murkowski’s endorsement with derision, stating, “Given that Senator Lisa Murkowski abandoned Alaska values a long time ago, I am not surprised that she has endorsed ‘Just Keep Taxing’ JKT,” criticizing Kreiss-Tomkins for his perceived alignment with progressive ideals.
Although Murkowski is not seeking re-election until 2028, she previously endorsed fellow Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan in his re-election campaign. This year, Sullivan is facing a competitive race, noted for its complexity involving rival candidate Dan J. Sullivan Jr. and Democratic candidate Mary Peltola.
The issue of voter clarity has also been contentious in this election cycle. The Trump administration recently filed a lawsuit regarding ballot clarity, asserting that the presence of Sullivan Jr. could mislead voters supporting Sullivan’s candidacy. In response, Murkowski criticized the lawsuit, pointing out that Alaskans are capable of voting for their preferred candidates independently. She stated on social media, “Alaskans don’t need any help voting for their preferred candidates, and the State of Alaska has already handled this by clearly distinguishing the candidates on this year’s ballot.”
In light of Murkowski’s endorsement and the surrounding political dynamics, the governor’s race in Alaska remains a closely watched contest, highlighting the ongoing shift in party alliances and voter sentiment within the state.
