Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy Eyes 2028 Senate Run Against Murkowski

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is reportedly preparing for a potential 2028 bid for the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a high-profile challenge to incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski. Multiple sources close to Dunleavy, speaking exclusively to Fox News Digital, suggest that the governor is seriously considering entering the race once his current term ends.

Dunleavy’s possible run would create a dramatic political showdown between two of Alaska’s most prominent Republicans. While Murkowski is known for her centrist positions and willingness to break with her party—especially in her often-public disagreements with former President Donald Trump—Dunleavy has remained a steadfast Trump ally since endorsing him in 2016.

One source familiar with the governor’s thinking emphasized that Dunleavy has no intention of stepping down early. “He’s going to finish his term,” the source said. “He’s committed to doing the job Alaskans elected him to do. But after that, the Senate is on the table.”

That distinction is notable in Alaska politics, where former Governor Sarah Palin resigned in 2009 before completing her term—a decision that many believe damaged her national standing. “Mike’s not going to make that mistake,” the source added.

Though he has largely stayed out of the Washington spotlight, Dunleavy has built a reputation as a results-driven leader focused on Alaska-specific issues like resource development, rural education, and infrastructure. According to those close to him, he isn’t driven by media attention or political fanfare. “He’s not in it for the camera time. He prefers the Arctic to the Beltway,” said one advisor. “But he understands that to really represent Alaska’s interests, Washington might be the next step.”

Dunleavy was one of the first governors to back Trump in 2016 and has maintained a close working relationship with him. He’s also been a regular presence at the White House and other national forums, despite Alaska’s geographic distance from the nation’s capital. Sources say Trump has encouraged Dunleavy to consider running for Senate and sees him as a strong contender.

“He’s one of the few Republican governors who’s consistently supported the America First agenda without hesitation,” said a former political staffer from Juneau. “And Trump has taken note of that.”

Dunleavy’s national profile rose again recently when he attended a high-level meeting with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. The meeting underscored his importance within the Trump-aligned faction of the GOP.

Alaska’s electoral landscape is unique and often unpredictable. The state operates under a ranked-choice voting system, which played a significant role in Murkowski’s re-election in 2022 despite her low approval ratings among conservatives. Dunleavy himself has successfully navigated that system and is viewed as someone with broader appeal than Murkowski’s previous challengers.

“He’s not just popular with conservatives,” said a political analyst in Anchorage. “He’s earned trust in Native communities, on the North Slope, and in rural areas. That kind of reach is rare.”

Dunleavy’s administration has prioritized investment in energy projects, transportation infrastructure, and rural education—all issues critical to Alaska’s development and survival in extreme conditions. His work with Native Alaskan communities has also helped him build a coalition that extends beyond traditional party lines.

If Dunleavy enters the race, it would mark the most serious challenge Murkowski has faced since her surprising 2010 write-in victory after losing the Republican primary to Tea Party favorite Joe Miller. Murkowski, who comes from a long political lineage as the daughter of former Governor Frank Murkowski, has proven her political resilience. However, many analysts believe the growing divide between her and the Trump wing of the GOP has weakened her standing with Alaska’s Republican base.

“There’s a lot of grassroots frustration with Murkowski,” said one political insider. “She’s survived before, but this is a different kind of opponent. Dunleavy is not just a protest candidate—he’s a sitting governor with a solid track record and Trump’s support.”

As 2028 approaches, the potential Senate matchup between Murkowski and Dunleavy is already generating buzz among Alaska voters and national political observers alike. The race would offer a clear contrast between the state’s moderate Republican establishment and its increasingly vocal conservative base.

While Dunleavy has yet to make a formal announcement, insiders believe it’s only a matter of time. “People are encouraging him to run—from inside Alaska and from the national MAGA movement,” said one source. “He’s seriously listening.”

If he does enter the race, Alaska could become a key battleground in shaping the future direction of the Republican Party—not just in the state, but across the nation.