Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy Poised for 2028 Senate Bid Against Murkowski, Sources Say

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is reportedly preparing to enter the 2028 U.S. Senate race, setting up a potential challenge to incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski, according to sources familiar with his plans.

Several individuals close to Dunleavy told Fox News that the governor is seriously considering a run and is laying the groundwork to campaign once his term ends. If he moves forward, the race would pit two of Alaska’s most influential political figures against each other—one a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, the other a centrist Republican who has frequently pushed back against Trump’s agenda.

“He’s committed to finishing his current term as governor,” one source said, emphasizing that Dunleavy does not intend to resign early. “This won’t be a repeat of the Palin situation.” The reference was to former Gov. Sarah Palin, who stepped down in 2009 during her term to pursue national political ambitions—a decision many believe hurt her political future.

A Governor with National Ties

Dunleavy, who was one of the first governors to endorse Trump during the 2016 campaign, has maintained a close relationship with the former president. Sources say Trump has encouraged Dunleavy to run for Senate and views him as a dependable ally within the Republican Party.

Despite his preference for life away from the spotlight, Dunleavy has made regular trips to the White House during Trump’s presidency and was present during a high-profile August 2024 meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.

“He’s not one for photo ops or D.C. cocktail parties,” a former adviser said. “He’s focused on results. But he knows that representing Alaska in Washington may be the best way to get things done for the state.”

Tensions Within the GOP

Sen. Lisa Murkowski has long been a polarizing figure within Republican ranks. Known for her moderate positions, she has frequently broken with her party—most notably by voting to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial. That move drew sharp criticism from Trump supporters and spurred talk of a primary challenge even before the 2022 midterms.

Though Murkowski survived that election under Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, insiders believe that a challenger like Dunleavy—who commands support both from conservatives and some independents—would present a far more serious threat in 2028.

“There’s a lot of frustration with Sen. Murkowski,” one GOP strategist in Alaska noted. “Dunleavy is seen as a credible, competent, and loyal Republican leader, and that appeals to both the party base and some of the moderates.”

Ranked-Choice Politics and Alaska’s Unique Landscape

Both Dunleavy and Murkowski have proven they can navigate Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, which has shaken up the state’s political dynamics in recent years. Critics say the system favors centrist candidates and can make it harder for strongly partisan contenders to win outright. However, Dunleavy’s cross-community appeal may help him stand out.

He has built significant political capital among Alaska Natives, particularly in the North Slope and remote regions where his administration has prioritized energy development, education, and infrastructure. Those areas often play a pivotal role in statewide races, and their support could give him a decisive edge.

“Murkowski has never gone up against someone like Dunleavy,” one longtime political observer said. “He has deep rural connections and hasn’t alienated independents. That makes him uniquely positioned.”

A Political Legacy vs. a Rising Force

Lisa Murkowski, the daughter of former Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2002. She won a historic write-in campaign in 2010 after losing the GOP primary to Tea Party challenger Joe Miller, showcasing her ability to defy political odds. However, the political environment has changed significantly since then.

Many conservatives in Alaska see 2028 as the best opportunity yet to unseat Murkowski. “Conservatives want a change,” said a senior Alaska political analyst. “Dunleavy’s strong relationship with Trump and his performance as governor make him the most serious contender she’s likely to face.”

What Comes Next?

While no official announcement has been made, those close to the governor say the conversations are ongoing and serious. “He’s listening. People are encouraging him—from within the state and outside it,” one source said. “He’s not one to jump into something lightly, but the momentum is real.”

If Dunleavy enters the race, it would set the stage for a high-profile political showdown with national implications, highlighting the ongoing rift within the Republican Party between traditional moderates and the pro-Trump base.

As the 2028 Senate race begins to take shape, Alaska could once again become a national political battleground.