EXCLUSIVE: Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is ready to make his mark on national politics with a potential run for U.S. Senate in 2028, challenging incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski. According to sources close to the governor, Dunleavy will not resign from his position and is committed to seeing his term through. One source noted, “He’s not going to quit his term,” emphasizing the governor’s long-term perspective.
The next Senate race in Alaska is set for 2026, with Republican Dan Sullivan currently holding the seat. Dunleavy’s cautious approach may stem from watching the fate of his predecessor, Sarah Palin, whose ambition to run for higher office didn’t bring the expected success. A source remarked, “The last governor to resign to run for higher office … never recovered.” This resonates with Dunleavy, who values the deeply rooted connection to Alaska over the distractions of Washington, D.C. As he once humorously observed, “I can’t understand why people would want to live with all this concrete.”
While acknowledging the realities of Washington politics, Dunleavy is known for his practicality. “But he knows that (being in Washington) is the only way to get things done,” said a trusted advisor. The governor was an early supporter of Donald Trump, endorsing him in 2016, and has maintained a strong relationship with the former president. According to insiders, “Trump has talked to him before about running and wants him to run.”
Dunleavy’s connection to Trump may provide him with a crucial edge in a race against Murkowski, who has faced criticism from Trump and his supporters. Despite Alaska being solidly Republican, the road to winning a Senate seat is not without challenges. Historical context complicates this race, with the last Republican to successfully win reelection as governor being Jay Hammond in 1978.
Rumors and discussions surrounding a possible Dunleavy candidacy are progressively gaining momentum. “A lot of people have mentioned this (race) to him and … I think it is a very viable option for him,” one source suggested, reflecting the frustration many feel toward Murkowski. There is no secret about the stark difference in the dynamics between Dunleavy and Murkowski regarding their relationships with Trump, an important factor for many Alaskan voters.
In recent years, Murkowski has faced electoral challenges, marked by her connections to moderate Democrats and independents. Conversely, Dunleavy’s base is firmly rooted in the conservative right. A close political analyst noted, “Conservatives would welcome an opportunity to unseat Murkowski,” highlighting the growing frustrations with the senator’s recent performance.
Both candidates have demonstrated an ability to navigate Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system effectively, although it has raised eyebrows among conservative constituents. The previous success of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, who recently secured the seat once held by the late Republican Don Young, adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming election.
The importance of the Native vote in Alaska cannot be overstated. Both Dunleavy and Murkowski have garnered support from Native communities. Residents on the North Slope appreciate Dunleavy’s focus on the state’s energy development and resource allocation for pressing issues like rural education. The challenge remains that the Native electorate leans more conservative but may hesitate to fully align with either candidate.
As one pollster observed, “What would happen in a matchup like this is they would feel conflicted.” This speaks to the balancing act many voters must navigate, especially on energy and resource management—areas both candidates can claim as strengths.
The political landscape in Alaska is continually shifting. Dunleavy’s past successes as governor position him as a serious contender. Murkowski, known for her mild center-right politics, has historically appealed to moderates but is now facing a renewed challenge from the more conservative elements in the party.
As the formal election date draws closer, political insiders are keenly monitoring developments. Notably, Alaska has a unique twist in its political process—governors are sworn in a month earlier than most other state leaders, aligning their electoral timelines differently from the presidential election cycle.
This potential clash between Dunleavy and Murkowski shapes up to be a closely watched race, with stakes high for both candidates. The question remains: will the GOP rally behind a figure like Dunleavy, or will Murkowski’s established connections hold firm against the shifting tides of party loyalty and voter sentiment? The forthcoming months will reveal more about this evolving political narrative.
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