Full Breakdown
Senator Lisa Murkowski Endorses Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins in Alaska Gubernatorial Race
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for Alaska governor. In a campaign-issued statement, Murkowski urged voters to set aside partisan divisions and support Kreiss-Tomkins, emphasizing bipartisan problem-solving. Kreiss-Tomkins said he was “honored” to receive the endorsement and reiterated his commitment to cooperation across party lines.
02
Background & Context
Alaska’s 2026 gubernatorial election will replace term-limited Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The ranked-choice ballot includes Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and three Republicans—Bernadette Wilson, former Anchorage mayor Dave Bronson, and former attorney general Treg Taylor. Murkowski, who previously endorsed Democrat Mary Peltola in 2024, has a record of breaking with her party on key votes, including the 2021 impeachment conviction of former President Donald Trump. The endorsement arrives amid criticism of the Dunleavy administration’s handling of federal funding and a statewide debate over Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, which a ballot measure will address in November.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Key Figures & Groups
- Lisa Murkowski — Republican U.S. senator from Alaska.
- Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins — Democratic former Sitka state legislator, sole Democrat in the race.
- Bernadette Wilson — Conservative activist, endorsed by President Donald Trump.
- Dave Bronson — Former Anchorage mayor, Republican candidate.
- Treg Taylor — Former Alaska attorney general, Republican candidate.
04
Data & Statistics
- A September 2026 New York Times/Siena poll shows Kreiss-Tomkins leading with roughly 40 % of likely voters; Wilson at 20 %, Bronson at 15 %, and Taylor at 11 %.
- Kreiss-Tomkins has raised more campaign funds than the three Republican opponents combined, according to campaign-finance reports.
05
Official Statements & Responses
Kreiss-Tomkins’ campaign release expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to work with the congressional delegation, state legislature, industry, and communities. President Donald Trump, who endorsed Wilson, criticized the endorsement on social media. Treg Taylor warned that Kreiss-Tomkins’ platform could threaten the Permanent Fund Dividend and fiscal responsibility.
06
Criticism & Opposition
Trump’s attack on Murkowski underscores intra-party tension, while Bronson and Taylor’s remarks illustrate Republican opposition to the cross-party endorsement, focusing on perceived fiscal risks and party loyalty.
07
Why It Matters
Murkowski’s backing of the only Democrat on the ballot could shift voter perceptions in a race labeled “leans Democrat” by the Cook Political Report. The endorsement may influence the outcome of the ranked-choice voting referendum and affect Alaska’s ability to secure federal resources and negotiate with the Biden administration on energy and infrastructure projects.
08
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m honored to have Senator Murkowski’s support,” — Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
- “The Republicans’ Worst Senator, by far, Lisa Murkowski, of the Great State of Alaska,” — Donald Trump
09
What’s Next
Alaska voters will decide the governor in the November general election, which also includes a statewide ballot measure to repeal the current ranked-choice voting system. The outcome will determine both the state’s executive leadership and the future of its electoral process.