Senator Lisa Murkowski Backs Democrat for Alaska Governor

Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her endorsement of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins in the upcoming race for governor.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections

Senator Lisa Murkowski Backs Democrat for Alaska Governor

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Senator Lisa Murkowski has officially endorsed Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, the sole Democratic candidate, for the Alaska gubernatorial election. This development comes as the race intensifies between him and Republican rivals Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor.

Why it matters

The endorsement signals a significant shift in Alaska political dynamics, occurring shortly after Donald Trump threw his support behind Bernadette Wilson. The move highlights the divide within the state as candidates vie for the support of Alaska voters.

A September 2026 poll shows Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins leading the field with 40% of likely voter support. This stands against 20% for Bernadette Wilson, 15% for Dave Bronson, and 11% for Treg Taylor.

The players

Lisa Murkowski

She is the United States Senator for Alaska.

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins

He is the Democratic candidate for Alaska governor.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States.

Bernadette Wilson

She is a candidate for Alaska governor.

The details

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has outpaced the fundraising efforts of his opponents, Bernadette Wilson, Dave Bronson, and Treg Taylor. His campaign currently remains the only Democratic option on the ballot in the Alaska gubernatorial race.

2018: Lisa Murkowski voted against confirming Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
2024: Mary Peltola lost U.S. House re-election to Nick Begich.
August 2026: State primary election occurred.
September 2026: New York Times/Siena Poll polling period.
October 13, 2026: Donald Trump endorsed Bernadette Wilson.

Political Context

The endorsement follows the trend of electoral volatility established by the 2024 U.S. House re-election of Mary Peltola. It reflects a departure from traditional party alignments as candidates maneuver for victory.

Alaskan voters will see an intensification of campaign advertisements and events leading up to the final election day. This political shift may influence how residents weigh their options in the upcoming gubernatorial contest.

The takeaway

Voters should review the platforms of the four remaining gubernatorial candidates to understand how these endorsements might influence policy priorities. Staying informed on campaign updates is essential for participating effectively in the democratic process.