Senator Lisa Murkowski Endorses Democrat for Alaska Governor
Senator Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for Alaska governor, sparking sharp criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for governor of Alaska on October 28, one week before the November 3 ranked-choice general election. Murkowski described Kreiss-Tomkins as a commonsense leader capable of avoiding partisan divisions to address energy costs, economic growth, and the state's fiscal future. She argued that the Republican candidates on the ballot are too partisan to work effectively with the state legislature and criticized the administration of term-limited Governor Mike Dunleavy for failing to utilize federal funds.
President Donald Trump responded to the endorsement on social media, calling Murkowski a disgrace to Alaska and the country. Republican candidate Bernadette Wilson, who has Trump's support, claimed Murkowski abandoned Alaska values and pledged to work to unseat the senator if elected. Another Republican candidate, Treg Taylor, described the cross-party endorsement as particularly disappointing.
Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state lawmaker, currently leads in polling with 40 percent support in a race that includes other Republican contenders Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor.
