U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced her endorsement of Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor on Tuesday, October 27. Murkowski stated that Kreiss-Tomkins would serve all Alaskans regardless of party, highlighting the need for a governor who can work productively with the state legislature. The move places Murkowski at odds with President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson in the race to succeed outgoing Governor Mike Dunleavy (R).
The endorsement comes as Alaska prepares for its ranked-choice general election next week. The four-way contest includes Kreiss-Tomkins and three Republicans: Wilson, former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, and former state Attorney General Treg Taylor. Murkowski previously demonstrated an independent approach to endorsements by backing Democrat Mary Peltola in 2022 and 2024 House races, though she is currently supporting Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in his reelection bid.
Wilson criticized Murkowski’s decision, stating on social media that the senator had "abandoned Alaska values" and referring to the Democrat as "Just Keep Taxing" JKT. Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state representative who served from 2013 to 2023, said he was honored by the support and noted his history of working within bipartisan coalitions. Political observers in Alaska, including operative Art Hackney and journalist Larry Persily, suggested the move reflects Murkowski’s frustration with the current state administration rather than a specific signal regarding her own potential 2028 reelection campaign.
The development also highlights the ongoing role of Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, which is one of only two such statewide systems in the U.S. and faces a repeal referendum on the upcoming ballot. The system allows voters to rank candidates by preference, a mechanic that Murkowski’s supporters credit for her 2022 victory against a challenger from her right. The use of this system in the governor's race means the three Republican candidates will compete for the same pool of voters, while Kreiss-Tomkins remains the sole Democrat in the final four.
What happens next depends on the November 3 election results and the potential repeal of the ranked-choice system. President Trump has renewed his criticisms of Murkowski, calling her the "worst senator" following her recent pushback against a Justice Department lawsuit regarding ballot certification. While speculation continues about whether Governor Dunleavy will challenge Murkowski for her Senate seat in 2028, he has not confirmed such a run. Murkowski has not yet announced a decision on whether she will seek reelection. After the election, the new governor will be tasked with addressing Alaska's fiscal future and energy costs as referenced in the candidates' recent statements.