Alaska’s political landscape may be in for a shake-up. Multiple sources close to Gov. Mike Dunleavy say he is preparing to enter the 2028 U.S. Senate race against incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican who has often clashed with former President Donald Trump.
Dunleavy vs. Murkowski
If confirmed, Dunleavy’s candidacy would pit him directly against one of the GOP’s longest-serving and most centrist senators. Murkowski, first elected in 2002, has frequently broken with her party on high-profile issues, including Trump’s impeachments and several key judicial confirmations.
By contrast, Dunleavy has been a consistent Trump ally, endorsing him as early as 2016 and maintaining close ties throughout Trump’s presidency. His alignment with Trump could energize Alaska’s conservative base, many of whom remain frustrated with Murkowski’s independent streak.
Finishing His Term
According to a former aide who spoke to Fox News Digital, Dunleavy has no intention of resigning his current post prematurely. Instead, he plans to complete his gubernatorial term before officially launching his Senate campaign.
“He’s not about ego or the spotlight. He gets results for Alaska without needing to be in front of the cameras,” the source said. “But he also knows Washington is where big decisions are made, and Alaska needs a stronger voice there.”
The decision contrasts sharply with former Gov. Sarah Palin, who resigned in 2009 amid national ambitions—a move that some argue derailed her political career. Dunleavy’s allies believe he wants to avoid repeating that mistake.
Strong Trump Ties
Dunleavy’s relationship with Trump has been unusually close for a governor living thousands of miles from Washington, D.C. He was among the first state leaders to endorse Trump in 2016 and became a frequent visitor to the White House.
“Trump has encouraged him to run and wants him in the Senate,” one insider claimed. Dunleavy also recently joined Trump during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, signaling his importance within Trump’s inner circle on both domestic and foreign policy matters.
A Tough Battlefield
Winning statewide elections in Alaska has often proved challenging for Republicans, despite the state’s conservative lean. Murkowski herself survived a primary defeat in 2010 by staging a historic write-in campaign that ultimately returned her to the Senate.
Analysts caution that Dunleavy would face both opportunities and risks. On one hand, his record of prioritizing Alaska’s energy development and fiscal policy has earned him support among voters. On the other, Murkowski has deep name recognition, seniority, and a track record of appealing to moderates and independents who make up a large share of Alaska’s electorate.
Still, Dunleavy’s allies argue that the governor is well-positioned to mount the most serious challenge to Murkowski in years.
What’s Next
For now, Dunleavy continues to serve as governor, but the speculation surrounding his Senate ambitions is growing louder. Should he formally announce, Alaska’s 2028 Senate race could become a major test of Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party—and of whether Murkowski’s brand of independence still resonates with Alaskan voters.
