ANCHORAGE — The political landscape in the Last Frontier is shifting dramatically, and Governor Mike Dunleavy is preparing to take on one of Washington’s most entrenched moderates in what could become the defining Senate race of the 2028 cycle.
Sources close to the governor confirm he is seriously eyeing a challenge against Senator Lisa Murkowski, setting up a high-stakes battle between a Trump-aligned conservative with a proven record and a longtime RINO who has repeatedly clashed with the America First agenda.
The groundwork for this showdown was laid last August on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during the high-profile Trump-Putin summit. While the world watched the diplomatic theater, insiders say President Trump personally encouraged Dunleavy to consider the Senate seat, viewing him as the perfect partner to advance Arctic energy dominance, infrastructure, and national security priorities in Washington.
Dunleavy, a former educator who built strong ties in rural Alaska, has governed as a results-driven conservative. Unlike Murkowski, who has often broken with the GOP on key votes, Dunleavy is seen as fully aligned with the 2026 Restoration’s focus on energy sovereignty and law and order.
Murkowski, the daughter of former Governor Frank Murkowski, has survived tough races before — including a famous 2010 write-in victory. But this time she faces a two-term governor with deep Bush support, strong Native Alaskan relationships, and the explicit backing of President Trump.
The race will also hinge on Alaska’s controversial Ranked-Choice Voting system, which barely survived repeal in 2024. If RCV is eliminated in 2026, the 2028 primary becomes a straight conservative contest where Dunleavy would hold a massive edge.
This isn’t just another Senate race — it’s a battle for the soul of Alaska’s representation in Washington. With Dunleavy’s record of delivering for Alaskans and his ironclad alliance with Trump, the “Spirit of Anchorage” may soon extend all the way to the U.S. Senate.
The 2028 contest is still two years away, but the lines are already being drawn. For conservatives tired of Washington insiders, Mike Dunleavy represents a clear choice: a fighter who puts Alaska and America First.