Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has once again betrayed President Donald Trump, this time by throwing her full support behind Democratic Alaska gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, along with his so-called “non-partisan” running mate for lieutenant governor, Zac Johnson. “I am announcing my endorsement of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins,” Murkowski said in an interview with KTUU.
Murkowski then described the candidate as “a common-sense guy who has a known ability to be working together.” She went on to say, “Our future is too important to be hamstrung by partisan divisions.” Her words were contained in a press release published by Kreiss-Tomkins’ campaign. She then praised the candidate for being someone who listens to people and different perspectives.
“Jonathan understands that governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground to solve the problems all of us face. Alaska needs a serious conversation about our fiscal future, as well as a focus on the cost of energy and growing our economy. I believe Jonathan is committed to working toward solutions that serve all Alaskans, regardless of party,” she continued.
“I encourage Alaskans of every political stripe, whether Republicans, independents, or Democrats, to take a close look at Jonathan and Zac. Alaska needs leaders who will put our state first, and I’m proud to support them,” she added, according to a report from Fox News. When it comes to the GOP side of things, President Trump has endorsed Bernadette Wilson.
“I’m honored to have Senator Murkowski’s support,” Kreiss-Tomkins said, according to his campaign’s release. “Alaskans deserve a government that can work through disagreements and make progress on the issues that matter. I am committed to working with our congressional delegation, the legislature, industry, and communities across the state to move Alaska forward. That work requires cooperation, not political conflict,” he went on to add.
Murkowski going against the best interests of the Republican Party isn’t anything new. She has previously endorsed Mary Peltola for reelection to the House, which she lost to current congressman, Nick Begich in 2024. She also did not vote in favor of confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the bench in 2018, according to a report from Alaska News Source.
President Trump and Murkowski have long been at each other’s throats, a beef that started during Trump’s first term and the harsh words he had towards her that have only escalated and will continue to do so until election time. In fact, the president has referred to Murkowski as one of the worst members of the chamber and has slammed her numerous times for ranked-choice voting, referring to it as a “DEMOCRAT SCAM.”
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“The Republicans’ Worst Senator, by far, Lisa Murkowski, of the Great State of Alaska,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, before going on to describe her as a “DISGRACE to Alaska and our Country.” Murkowski responded to criticism that she’s not always voted along party lines, saying that she is aware she’s “not always been on the Alaska Republican Party’s good list.”
“I recognize that, but that’s not my directive,” Murkowski explained. “My directive is to serve the people of the state of Alaska. And that does mean Republicans and it does mean Democrats and means Independents and it means people who choose not to be affiliated with any party at all.” The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
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