Fox News is reporting that Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy may challenge US Sen. Lisa Murkowski in 2028, citing only an unnamed source said to be someone who “once worked with Dunleavy.”
Dunleavy, whose second term as governor runs through 2026, would be 67 years old by the time of the 2028 general election. Murkowski, first appointed to the Senate in 2002, would be 71.
If elected to another six-year term, Murkowski would be 77 years old by its conclusion in January 2035. Dunleavy, if elected, would be 73 by the end of what would be his first Senate term. The ages of both politicians have fueled skepticism among political observers about whether either can count on long-term tenure in Washington.
The average age of senators in the US Senate is 64.7, but the average age of newly elected senators is 53.9.
Through a spokesman, Dunleavy responded cautiously to the Fox News report:
“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.”
The governor’s statement avoided confirming or denying the possibility of a Senate run. Morning Consult, a polling and survey firm that routinely measures the approval rating of governors, gave Dunleavy a net 18 positive approval rating in June. Alaska Survey Research polling shows Murkowski now has a negative rating, with 60% now viewing her unfavorably.
On national social media, speculation about a potential matchup spread quickly, with influencers treating the report as credible. But some Alaskans express doubt, noting that this is not a rumor in Alaska, but looks like a rumor mill operation with an unknown intent.
Murkowski’s political trajectory may be headed in another direction. In Alaska, speculation persists that she could run for governor in 2026, potentially closing her long career in elected office with a return to Juneau for four years, maybe with Mary Peltola as her running mate.
Still, with two years left in Dunleavy’s term and Murkowski’s seat not on the ballot until 2028, the political landscape could shift considerably before either makes a decision. For now, we rate this rumor as “highly speculative.”
Lisa is useless . . . . she should just go away.
🤣
I’d enthusiastically support Dunleavy against Murkowski. So I’m on board with it.
Go Mike, time to end princesses reign.