Murkowski Endorses Democrat for Alaska Governor, Breaking With Trump

Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and his nonpartisan running mate for lieutenant governor, Zac Johnson. Murkowski announced her support in a statement, emphasizing the importance of working together across party lines.

"Our future is too important to be hamstrung by partisan divisions," Murkowski said, according to a press release from the Kreiss-Tomkins campaign. "Jonathan understands that governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground to solve the problems all of us face. Alaska needs a serious conversation about our fiscal future, as well as a focus on the cost of energy and growing our economy. I believe Jonathan is committed to working toward solutions that serve all Alaskans, regardless of party."

She added, "I encourage Alaskans of every political stripe, whether Republicans, independents, or Democrats, to take a close look at Jonathan and Zac. Alaska needs leaders who will put our state first, and I’m proud to support them."

Kreiss-Tomkins expressed his honor at receiving Murkowski's endorsement. "Alaskans deserve a government that can work through disagreements and make progress on the issues that matter. I am committed to working with our congressional delegation, the legislature, industry, and communities across the state to move Alaska forward. That work requires cooperation, not political conflict," he stated.

This endorsement places Murkowski at odds with former President Donald Trump, who has backed Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson. Wilson is among several Republicans running in the ranked-choice voting contest for the governorship.