Report: Gov. Mike Dunleavy to seek Lisa Murkowski’s U.S. Senate seat in 2028

Incumbent Alaska senator has stated recently she is keeping the option open to run for governor in 2026

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, speaks during a press conference at the Alaska State Capitol on Aug. 3, 2025. At right, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski talks to a student during a visit to the Capitol on March 18, 2025. (Juneau Independent file photos)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

This is a developing story.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is planning to run for fellow Republican Lisa Murkowski’s U.S. Senate seat in 2028, according to a Fox News report that cites unnamed sources. Meanwhile, Murkowski told reporters earlier this month she isn’t ruling out running for governor in 2026 even though there are a multitude of other Republican candidates.

Dunleavy, who cannot seek reelection next year since he is nearing the end of his second consecutive term, is a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, while Murkowski has notoriously opposed the president on some key matters. She also is unpopular among many state Republican party leaders who say she is insufficiently conservative, but she has been reelected four times by solid margins since being appointed to the seat in 2002.

The Fox News report cites "several sources familiar with the situation or close to the governor."

"A lot of people have mentioned this (race) to him and…I think it is a very viable option for him," the network quotes one of the sources as saying. Also, the source said, "Obviously there are a lot of frustrations with Sen. Murkowski."

Jeff Turner, a spokesperson for Dunleavy, did not confirm or deny the report in a text message to the Juneau Independent on Friday morning.

"Governor Dunleavy is focused on moving Alaska forward during the remainder of his second term by growing our economy through natural resource development, reforming public education and making Alaska an even better place to live and raise a family," Turner wrote.

Murkowski, during a press conference Aug. 1 in Anchorage, declined to rule out the possibility of running for governor.

“Sure,” she said in response to a question about whether she is considering seeking the seat. “Lots of Republicans have. There’s a lot of people to look at, but where I’m at right now is actually more than a full-time job.”

Ten people, nearly all Republicans, have announced so far they plan to run for governor next year.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.