Sen. Lisa Murkowski Endorses Democrat for Alaska Governor Over Trump-Backed GOP

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor, rejecting the Republican contenders in the race, one of whom is backed by President Donald Trump. This endorsement came on Tuesday, just one week before the gubernatorial election in Alaska, a state that utilizes ranked choice voting.

Murkowski’s Criticism of GOP Candidates

Murkowski expressed concerns about the Republican candidates’ partisanship, stating that the three GOP hopefuls on the ballot are too divisive. She emphasized the need for a governor who can collaborate effectively with the state Legislature to ensure Alaska’s delegation succeeds in Washington, D.C. Speaking to Anchorage’s NBC affiliate KTUU, she described Kreiss-Tomkins as “a young Alaskan with a view and a perspective that I think Alaska needs right now — a freshness of energy, a commonsense guy who has a known ability to be working together.”

Kreiss-Tomkins Responds to Endorsement

The Democratic candidate, a former state lawmaker, expressed gratitude for Murkowski’s support in an interview with KTUU. Kreiss-Tomkins praised Murkowski for her integrity and bipartisan work in Congress, qualities he admires and hopes to emulate if elected governor. He noted that they have “had a few conversations” during the campaign, which helped Murkowski gain confidence in his ticket and problem-solving approach for Alaska.

GOP Candidates and Trump’s Role

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is running to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy. His GOP opponents include former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, former state Attorney General Treg Taylor, and Bernadette Wilson, who received President Trump’s endorsement earlier this month. Murkowski criticized Wilson’s unwillingness to work with Democrats, a concern she mentioned in her comments to KTUU.

Wilson dismissed Murkowski’s endorsement, calling the senator someone who “abandoned Alaska values a long time ago” and referring to Kreiss-Tomkins disparagingly as “Just Keep Taxing” JKT. Wilson also accused him of allegiance with “extreme socialists hellbent on fighting President Trump to the detriment of everyday Alaskans.”

Political Tensions and Election Dynamics

Murkowski, who is not up for re-election until 2028, has supported GOP Senator Dan S. Sullivan in his competitive re-election race. That race includes another candidate named Dan J. Sullivan Jr. and Democratic candidate Mary Peltola. Recently, the Trump administration sued Alaska election officials over Sullivan Jr.’s appearance on the ballot, arguing it could confuse voters intending to support Sullivan. Murkowski criticized the lawsuit on X, writing, “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.”

President Trump responded sharply to Murkowski’s stance, calling her “the Republicans’ Worst Senator, by far” on social media the day after her criticism.

The NBC News Decision Desk currently rates the Alaska governor’s race as leaning Democratic, despite the state’s history of supporting Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

The coming week will be critical for all candidates as Alaskans prepare to cast their ballots in what promises to be a contentious and closely watched race.