Murkowski Endorses Democrat Kreiss-Tomkins in Alaska Governor Race

Key points

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor on Tuesday, praising his bipartisan approach and ability to work with the legislature.
• Kreiss-Tomkins leads the race with approximately 40% support in a recent poll, compared to 20% for Republican Bernadette Wilson, 15% for Dave Bronson, and 11% for Treg Taylor.
• Three former governors, including Republican Frank Murkowski and Democrat Tony Knowles, co-authored an op-ed supporting Kreiss-Tomkins, citing his record of cooperation and specific policy promises.
• Republican candidates Bronson and Taylor criticized the endorsement, with Taylor calling it disappointing and Bronson stating his loyalty remains with Alaskans rather than political figures.
• President Trump endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson on October 13, urging GOP unity, but Bronson and Taylor remain in the race, potentially splitting the Republican vote in the ranked-choice election.

Background

Alaska’s governor’s race is being decided under a ranked-choice voting system, where the top four candidates from an open primary advance to the general election. The outgoing governor, Mike Dunleavy, is term-limited. Previous coverage noted Kreiss-Tomkins’s lead amid Republican fragmentation and local grievances over the Dunleavy administration. The current endorsement adds to a pattern of cross-party support seen in other 2026 races, such as in South Carolina and South Dakota, where Republican leaders backed Democratic candidates.

How outlets are covering it

Alaska’s News Source and Alaska Public Media reported the endorsement as a surprise move, emphasizing Murkowski’s criticism of the Dunleavy administration and her call for bipartisan governance. The Anchorage Daily News highlighted the op-ed from three former governors, detailing Kreiss-Tomkins’s policy commitments on education, fisheries, and infrastructure. MultiState provided polling data, noting Kreiss-Tomkins’s strong lead and the potential impact of Republican vote-splitting. Republican candidates Bronson and Taylor expressed disappointment, with Taylor criticizing the endorsement as inconsistent with fiscal responsibility, while Bronson maintained his focus on serving Alaskans directly. Trump’s endorsement of Wilson and his criticism of Murkowski underscore the national partisan tensions influencing the local race.

Why it matters

The endorsement by a prominent Republican senator signals a shift in Alaska’s political landscape, where local dissatisfaction with the current administration may outweigh party loyalty. Kreiss-Tomkins’s lead in polls and the support from former governors suggest a growing consensus for bipartisan governance. The outcome of the ranked-choice election could hinge on whether Republican voters consolidate behind Wilson or split their votes, potentially allowing Kreiss-Tomkins to win despite being the only Democrat in the race.

What to watch

The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Campaigns will likely focus on mobilizing voters and addressing key issues such as education funding, infrastructure, and fiscal policy. The outcome of the ranked-choice election will depend on the final rankings of voters and the extent of Republican vote consolidation. Additional endorsements and debates may further shape the race in the coming weeks.