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Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy Poised to Run for US Senate in 2028

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is planning to run for the US Senate in 2028, challenging Republican incumbent Lisa Murkowski, according to sources close to the governor. The decision comes as Alaska's next Senate race falls in 2026, with incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan not up for re-election. Dunleavy's potential candidacy has been discussed with President Donald Trump, who is reportedly keen on seeing him run. The governor's decision has also been influenced by his long-standing frustration with Murkowski, who has clashed with Trump on several occasions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is planning to run for the US Senate in 2028, challenging Republican incumbent Lisa Murkowski.
  • The decision comes as Alaska's next Senate race falls in 2026, with incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan not up for re-election.
  • Dunleavy's potential candidacy has been discussed with President Donald Trump, who is reportedly keen on seeing him run.
  • The governor's decision has also been influenced by his long-standing frustration with Murkowski, who has clashed with Trump on several occasions.
  • Dunleavy was the second governor to endorse Trump in 2016 and has been in regular communication with the White House.
  • Despite being a red state, it is an "uphill climb" to get elected governor as a Republican in Alaska, with the last Republican to win re-election being Governor Jay Hammond in 1978.
  • Dunleavy has been successful in Alaska's ranked-choice voting system, which has helped Democrats in past elections.
  • The governor is close with Native communities on the North Slope and beyond, where residents have praised him for his focus on Alaska's energy development potential and allocation of resources for issues like rural education and infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • 2028: The year Mike Dunleavy is planning to run for the US Senate.
  • 2026: The year the next Senate race in Alaska will take place.
  • 3,500 miles: The distance from Alaska to Washington, D.C.
  • 1978: The year Governor Jay Hammond won re-election as the last Republican to do so in Alaska.
  • 2016: The year Mike Dunleavy endorsed Donald Trump for president.
  • 2010: The year Lisa Murkowski won a write-in campaign for Senate.

Sources:

  • TouristAfrica2006
  • Sources: Multiple sources close to the governor, as well as a top Alaska political analyst and pollster.

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