Lisa Murkowski Wins Re-Election In U.S. Senate, Mike Dunleavy First Alaska Governor To Win Re-Election Since 1998: Projection

Ryan SaavedraNovember 23, 2022

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has won re-election after state officials finished a final round of vote-counting in the state’s ranked choice voting system.

Murkowski won re-election over Republican challenger Kelly Tshibaka Wednesday evening in a ranked choice runoff because neither candidate reached 50% on the ballot.

After the second-choice votes were counted, Murkowski ended up beating Tshibaka, 53.7% to 46.3%.

“I am honored that Alaskans — of all regions, backgrounds and party affiliations — have once again granted me their confidence to continue working with them and on their behalf in the U.S. Senate,” Murkowski said in a statement after the results were announced. “I look forward to continuing the important work ahead of us.”

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy also won re-election, becoming the state’s first governor since 1998 to do so.

“Alaskans, thank you for voting and for your continued support over the past four years,” he said in a statement. “From public safety and improving our education outcomes to growing our economy, I am honored to serve Alaskans for another four years.”

“We look forward to working with the Legislature to prioritize the policies Alaskans expect us to accomplish,” he added. “Together, we will work to build an Alaska not just for the next four years but for 50 years and beyond. I will devote myself to ensuring our best days are in front of us.”

Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) also won re-election against Sarah Palin, who former President Donald Trump backed along with Tshibaka, in the state’s at-large House seat.

The Washington Post noted that Peltola, who is considered to be a more moderate Democrat, is the first Alaska Native to win a full term in Congress.

“This is a two-year contract,” she said. “And I will be happy to work for Alaskans again, as long as they’ll have me.”