Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is preparing to launch a 2028 U.S. Senate campaign against incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski, according to sources close to the governor who spoke exclusively with Fox News. The move sets the stage for a high-profile Republican showdown between two of Alaska’s most influential political figures, each representing opposing factions within the GOP.

Dunleavy, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, sharply contrasts with Murkowski, who is often viewed as one of the most moderate Republicans in Congress. She has clashed with Trump on several occasions, while Dunleavy has consistently supported the former president. Despite his Senate ambitions, sources say Dunleavy will complete his term as governor, avoiding the political fallout that followed Sarah Palin’s early resignation in 2009.

Known for prioritizing results over media attention, Dunleavy has built a strong record on energy development, infrastructure, and rural education. His outreach to Native communities across Alaska, particularly in the North Slope, has earned him bipartisan respect. His broad base of support—including moderates, conservatives, and rural voters—positions him as a serious contender in a state where ranked-choice voting often favors centrist candidates like Murkowski.

Dunleavy’s early and continued support for Trump strengthens his standing within the MAGA movement. He was the second governor to endorse Trump in 2016 and has maintained close ties, attending high-profile events such as Trump’s 2023 meeting with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage. Trump has reportedly encouraged Dunleavy to run for Senate.

With conservative frustration toward Murkowski growing, political analysts believe Dunleavy poses the most significant threat to her seat yet. If he runs, the 2028 Senate race could become a defining moment for Alaska, pitting Murkowski’s political legacy against Dunleavy’s Trump-aligned platform.