Alaska Senator Murkowski Backs Democrat Kreiss-Tomkins in Governor's Race

Key points

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor, calling him a 'common-sense guy' who can work across party lines.
• Kreiss-Tomkins leads polls with 40% support, far ahead of Republican candidates Bernadette Wilson (20%), Dave Bronson (15%), and Treg Taylor (11%).
• Kreiss-Tomkins has raised over $5.3 million, three times the combined amount of his three Republican opponents in October alone.
• President Trump endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson, but the endorsement did little to boost her fundraising or unify the Republican field.
• Murkowski criticized the outgoing Republican administration of Gov. Mike Dunleavy for leaving federal money on the table and failing to support state opportunities.

Background

This endorsement follows a broader trend of bipartisan support for Kreiss-Tomkins, including backing from former governors Bill Walker and Tony Knowles. It also aligns with recent cross-party endorsements in other states, such as in South Carolina and New York, where retiring or senior politicians have supported candidates from the opposing party. Murkowski has a history of going against party lines, including her 2018 vote against Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation and her 2024 endorsement of Democrat Mary Peltola.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasized Murkowski's focus on bipartisan cooperation and her criticism of partisan divisions. Politico noted that the endorsement could signal Murkowski's contemplation of retirement or a strategy to appeal across the aisle, given Trump's repeated attacks on her. The Anchorage Daily News highlighted Kreiss-Tomkins' significant fundraising advantage and the struggles of the Republican candidates, including Wilson's legal issues and Bronson's controversial tenure as Anchorage mayor. Alaska's News Source focused on Murkowski's criticism of the Dunleavy administration and her defense of her cross-party voting record, while also noting the Republican candidates' disappointment and Bronson's response.

Why it matters

The endorsement signals a potential shift in Alaska's political landscape, with Kreiss-Tomkins poised to become the first Democrat to win the governorship since 1998. It also highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the outgoing Republican administration and the potential impact of cross-party endorsements on midterm elections. The race could set a precedent for future elections in traditionally Republican states, where bipartisan cooperation may be increasingly valued over partisan divisions.

What to watch

The election is scheduled for next week, with early voting already underway. More than 58,000 Alaskans have already cast their ballots. The outcome will likely depend on the ability of Kreiss-Tomkins to maintain his lead in polls and fundraising, as well as the impact of the Republican candidates' efforts to unify the vote. The race could also influence future elections in other states, where cross-party endorsements may become more common.