Republicans will hold Alaska US Senate seat in tight race
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A Republican candidate is expected to hold Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat, with Donald Trump-endorsed Kelly Tshibaka and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski leading in early returns.
Tshibaka and Murkowski were in the race with Democrat Pat Chesbro and Republican Buzz Kelley, who lagged well behind in early returns reported Tuesday night. Kelley had suspended his campaign and endorsed Tshibaka.
Murkowski touted her seniority and willingness to work across party lines to advance Alaska’s priorities. Murkowski is the most senior member of Alaska’s congressional delegation, following the death in March of Republican Rep. Don Young, who held Alaska’s House seat for 49 years.
But Tshibaka argued it is time for a change. She noted that a Murkowski has held the Senate seat since 1981; before Lisa Murkowski, it was her father, Frank Murkowski. Tshibaka, after voting on Tuesday, told reporters she was “excited and confident.”