GOP Sen. Murkowski endorses Democrat in Alaska's governor's race, says he'll be more bipartisan

Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has endorsed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkin in the Alaska governor's race. 

In a statement posted on Kreiss-Tomkin's campaign website, Murkowski explained her surprising choice to endorse a Democrat over the three Republicans in the four-way race, saying that the Democratic candidate wouldn't be "hamstrung by partisan divisions." 

“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," Murkowski said. 

Polls show that Kreiss-Tomkins has a lead over his Republican opponents in the race, Alaska Public Media reported. 

It was not the first time Murkowski's endorsements crossed party lines. She endorsed Democrat Mary Peltola in 2024 in her bid for reelection to the U.S. House, but she endorsed Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in his reelection campaign this year over Peltola, who is running against him.