In a move that could reshape the political landscape of Alaska, Governor Mike Dunleavy is reportedly preparing to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2028.
Sources close to the governor have confirmed his plans, which would place him in direct competition with Senator Lisa Murkowski, a longtime moderate Republican and one of the most well-known figures in Alaska politics.
This Senate race is poised to be one of the most high-stakes battles in the state’s history, with both candidates holding deep political roots and significant public support.
Dunleavy, who has served as Alaska’s governor since 2018, has been one of President Donald Trump’s staunchest allies. The governor’s alliance with Trump began in 2016, when he became one of the earliest governors to endorse the future president, and has remained steadfast throughout his time in office.
Dunleavy has consistently praised Trump’s policies and worked closely with the White House on a variety of issues affecting Alaska, from energy development to infrastructure projects.
In many ways, Dunleavy has become a key representative of Trump’s influence in the state, making him a formidable challenger to Murkowski.
Murkowski, on the other hand, has a long and storied political career in Alaska. The daughter of former Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski, she has built a reputation as one of the most moderate Republicans in the Senate.
Her relationship with Trump has been tense, especially after her decision to vote to convict him during his impeachment trial, which further strained her ties with the MAGA movement.
Murkowski has faced increasing criticism from conservatives, and her political future has become uncertain, especially in light of Dunleavy’s potential candidacy.
The Senate race is expected to be a high-profile contest, with both candidates bringing different strengths and challenges to the table. Murkowski has built a reputation as a resilient and pragmatic politician, one who has been able to navigate the complex political dynamics of Alaska.
She famously won a write-in campaign in 2010 after losing the GOP primary to Tea Party candidate Joe Miller, showcasing her ability to overcome political adversity and retain her seat.
However, Dunleavy’s strong ties to Trump and his broader support among conservative voters could make him a serious threat to Murkowski’s political dominance.
Dunleavy’s supporters argue that he is the right candidate to represent Alaska in Washington, citing his track record as governor and his ability to get things done in the state.
While Murkowski has often been viewed as a more moderate figure, Dunleavy is seen as a staunch conservative who has worked to advance Trump’s agenda in Alaska.
His focus on energy development, infrastructure, and rural education has earned him significant support, particularly among Alaska’s Native communities and rural populations.
Dunleavy’s alliance with Trump is a key factor in his appeal to conservatives in Alaska. Trump’s influence remains strong within the state’s Republican base, and many voters are frustrated with Murkowski’s occasional willingness to break ranks with the party.
Dunleavy, on the other hand, has been a loyal supporter of the president and his policies. This alignment with Trump is likely to play a significant role in the 2028 Senate race, as the state’s conservative voters look for a candidate who will be more in line with their values and priorities.
One of the most significant challenges for Dunleavy in this race will be the state’s ranked-choice voting system, which was implemented in 2020. The system has been criticized by some conservatives, who argue that it gives an unfair advantage to Democrats, but it could work to Dunleavy’s benefit.
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, which could allow Dunleavy to consolidate support from both conservative and moderate voters.
Unlike Murkowski’s past challengers, Dunleavy has broad support outside of conservative circles, particularly among Alaska’s Native communities.
Murkowski has long enjoyed support from these communities, but Dunleavy’s focus on energy development and infrastructure projects in rural Alaska has helped him build ties with these groups.
His efforts to improve education and create jobs in rural areas have resonated with many Alaskans, particularly those living in remote regions of the state. This could prove to be a critical factor in a statewide race, as the Native vote has historically played a decisive role in Alaska’s elections.
While Dunleavy’s support among conservative voters is strong, he will also need to appeal to a broader base of voters if he hopes to unseat Murkowski. Many analysts believe that his focus on energy development, rural education, and infrastructure will give him an edge in a statewide race.
His ability to connect with Alaskans across political divides, particularly in rural areas, could make him a formidable candidate in the 2028 Senate race.
Despite the challenges, Dunleavy is widely seen as a formidable opponent to Murkowski. He has built a strong political base in Alaska, and his support among conservatives and Native communities gives him a significant advantage.
His record as governor has earned him praise for his ability to get things done without seeking the spotlight, and he has developed a reputation as a leader who is focused on results rather than ego.
His decision to complete his term as governor before pursuing higher office shows his commitment to Alaska and his understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.
The potential Senate race between Dunleavy and Murkowski is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country in 2028. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the future of Alaska’s political landscape, as well as the broader national political environment.
With Dunleavy’s strong ties to Trump and his broad support among conservative voters, he could become a powerful voice in the Senate, particularly if the Republican Party regains control of Congress.
In the coming months and years, both Dunleavy and Murkowski will likely face increasing pressure as they prepare for the 2028 race. Dunleavy’s alliance with Trump will continue to be a key factor in his appeal to conservative voters, while Murkowski’s moderate stance and her strained relationship with the president will remain a source of controversy.
As the race heats up, both candidates will need to navigate the shifting political dynamics of Alaska and work to build support across the state.
For Dunleavy, the 2028 Senate race represents a unique opportunity to take his political career to the next level. His track record as governor, combined with his strong ties to Trump and his appeal to conservative voters, makes him a formidable contender.
If he can build on his support among Native communities and rural Alaskans, he could become a serious threat to Murkowski’s seat. However, he will need to carefully balance his conservative values with the need to appeal to a broader base of voters if he hopes to win in 2028.
For Murkowski, the race is likely to be a test of her political resilience. She has faced tough challenges before, but Dunleavy’s candidacy could represent her most serious threat yet.
As one of the most moderate Republicans in Congress, Murkowski has had to navigate the complex dynamics of the Republican Party, balancing her own values with the party’s shifting priorities.
Her strained relationship with Trump has made her a target for many conservatives, and Dunleavy’s candidacy is likely to intensify that pressure.
As the 2028 race approaches, the stakes for both candidates could not be higher. Alaska’s political landscape is changing, and the outcome of this Senate race could have a lasting impact on the state’s future.
With both Dunleavy and Murkowski poised to play central roles in this high-stakes contest, Alaskans will be closely watching as the battle for the Senate seat unfolds.
