Murkowski Backs Democrat Kreiss-Tomkins for Alaska Governor Over Trump-Endorsed Republican

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, has endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins in the state's race for governor. She is also supporting his running mate for lieutenant governor, Zac Johnson, who is a nonpartisan candidate.

Murkowski announced her decision in comments to KTUU. She described Kreiss-Tomkins as "a common-sense guy who has a known ability to be working together."

The endorsement sets her apart from President Donald Trump, who has put his support behind Republican Bernadette Wilson. Several Republicans are competing in the race, which is decided through ranked-choice voting.

In a press release issued by the Kreiss-Tomkins campaign, Murkowski said, "Our future is too important to be hamstrung by partisan divisions." She said that governing requires listening to people with different perspectives and finding common ground to solve problems that affect everyone in the state.

Murkowski pointed to several priorities she believes Alaska must address. She said the state needs a serious conversation about its fiscal future, along with attention to the cost of energy and the growth of the economy. She said she believes Kreiss-Tomkins is committed to working toward solutions that serve all Alaskans, regardless of party.

She also urged voters across the political spectrum to consider the ticket. "I encourage Alaskans of every political stripe, whether Republicans, independents, or Democrats, to take a close look at Jonathan and Zac," she said. "Alaska needs leaders who will put our state first, and I'm proud to support them."

Kreiss-Tomkins responded in the campaign's release, saying he was honored to receive the senator's support. "Alaskans deserve a government that can work through disagreements and make progress on the issues that matter," he said.

He added that he is committed to working with the state's congressional delegation, the legislature, industry and communities around Alaska to move the state forward. "That work requires cooperation, not political conflict," he said.