Murkowski Endorses Kreiss-Tomkins Over Trump-Backed Wilson

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has shifted her support to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and his nonpartisan running mate, Zac Johnson. The move places her behind a Democrat in a race where President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson.

Murkowski told KTUU that Kreiss-Tomkins is a common-sense guy with a known ability to work together. She argued that the state's future is too important to be hamstrung by partisan divisions. The senator said governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground to solve shared problems.

In a campaign press release, Murkowski emphasized the need for a serious conversation about Alaska's fiscal future, energy costs, and economic growth. She stated that Kreiss-Tomkins is committed to working toward solutions that serve all Alaskans, regardless of party. She encouraged Republicans, independents, and Democrats to take a close look at the Kreiss-Tomkins and Johnson ticket.

"Alaska needs leaders who will put our state first, and I'm proud to support them," Murkowski said.

Kreiss-Tomkins acknowledged the endorsement in a statement from his campaign. He said Alaskans deserve a government that can work through disagreements and make progress on key issues. He pledged to work with the congressional delegation, the legislature, industry, and communities across the state.

Kreiss-Tomkins said the work requires cooperation, not political conflict. The race uses a ranked-choice voting system, and multiple Republicans are also on the ballot alongside the Democrats and independents.