President Donald Trump‘s preferred candidate for Alaska governor, Bernadette Wilson, has lost the backing of two prominent Republicans. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and her father, former Gov. Frank Murkowski, have endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins instead. Their endorsements put them at odds with Trump ahead of Alaska’s November 3 gubernatorial election.
Lisa and Frank Murkowski back Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins over Trump’s pick
Lisa Murkowski announced her support for Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state lawmaker known as JKT, on Tuesday. Speaking to Alaska’s News Source, she praised his perspective and ability to work across party lines.
“JKT is young Alaskan with a view and a perspective that I think Alaska needs right now,” Murkowski said.
She emphasized that Alaska needs a governor willing to cooperate with lawmakers rather than obstruct progress. “We need a governor who’s going to work with the legislature,” she added, explaining that cooperation is essential for the state’s delegation to succeed in Washington, D.C.
Murkowski also criticized Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration for missing opportunities to secure federal funding. She specifically cited the Alaska Marine Highway System as an example.
Meanwhile, Trump endorsed Wilson on October 13 and has repeatedly criticized Murkowski for breaking with her party. In a Truth Social post, he called her the “Republicans’ Worst Senator, by far” and a “DISGRACE to Alaska and our Country.” He has also criticized Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system.
Kreiss-Tomkins currently leads polls against three Republican candidates: Wilson, former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, and former Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor. Trump and Wilson have urged Bronson and Taylor to withdraw, arguing that multiple Republican candidates could split the vote.
A New York Times/Siena poll released in October showed Kreiss-Tomkins leading with 40% support among likely voters. Wilson received 20%, followed by Bronson at 15% and Taylor at 11%.
Murkowski, who previously supported Democrat Mary Peltola in congressional races, defended her willingness to cross party lines. She emphasized that her priority was serving Alaskans regardless of their political affiliation.
“My directive is to serve the people of the state of Alaska,” she said, stressing that her responsibility extends to Republicans, Democrats, independents, and unaffiliated voters.
According to Radar Online, Frank Murkowski also endorsed Kreiss-Tomkins alongside former governors Tony Knowles and Bill Walker.
Their combined support highlights the divisions among Alaska’s political leaders ahead of the gubernatorial election. The endorsements also underscore Kreiss-Tomkins’ emphasis on bipartisan cooperation as he competes against three Republican candidates to succeed term-limited Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
