A major political shakeup could be brewing in Alaska, as Governor Mike Dunleavy is reportedly laying the groundwork for a future U.S. Senate run that would put him on a direct collision course with Senator Lisa Murkowski. According to individuals familiar with Dunleavy’s thinking, the governor is seriously considering a 2028 challenge that would pit two very different versions of the Republican Party against each other.
Dunleavy has long been viewed as one of President Donald Trump’s most reliable allies in the state. Since first winning the governorship, he has aligned himself closely with Trump’s agenda, backing the former president through primary battles, impeachment fights, and policy disputes that divided the GOP. Murkowski, on the other hand, has built her career as a centrist Republican willing to break ranks, often clashing openly with Trump and voting against him at key moments.
Those close to Dunleavy say the governor believes Alaska Republicans are ready for a clearer, more confrontational alternative to Murkowski’s brand of politics.
Importantly, sources stress that Dunleavy does not plan to abandon his current role to pursue higher office. He is expected to serve out his full term as governor before making any formal move toward a Senate campaign. That decision appears to be a deliberate lesson learned from Alaska’s political past. The last governor to step down early in pursuit of national ambitions was Sarah Palin, whose abrupt resignation in 2009 badly damaged her credibility at home and ultimately stalled her political ascent.
Dunleavy has taken a very different approach. Rather than seeking national attention or frequent trips to Washington, he has largely focused on state-level governance, energy development, fiscal restraint, and resisting federal overreach. Supporters argue this has strengthened his standing among conservative voters who view Washington with deep skepticism.
A primary contest between Dunleavy and Murkowski would almost certainly become one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. Murkowski has survived past challenges by relying on Alaska’s unique electoral system and her reputation for independence, but the political environment has shifted significantly in recent years. Trump remains popular with Alaska Republicans, and a well-funded, Trump-aligned challenger could force Murkowski into her toughest fight yet.
While no formal announcement has been made, the mere possibility of Dunleavy entering the race is already energizing conservative activists who have long sought to unseat Murkowski. They view her votes on impeachment, judicial confirmations, and party leadership as evidence that she no longer represents the base of the party.
If Dunleavy does move forward, the race would likely become a referendum not just on Murkowski, but on the future direction of the Republican Party itself: pragmatic independence versus populist loyalty, Washington accommodation versus open confrontation.
For now, Dunleavy is keeping his focus on Alaska. But behind the scenes, the chess pieces are clearly being set — and if this challenge materializes, it could mark the beginning of the end of one of the Senate’s most entrenched political dynasties.