Senator Lisa Murkowski Considers Leaving GOP Amid Trump’s Influence
WASHINGTON — Senator Lisa Murkowski, a veteran Alaska Republican, shocked by Donald Trump’s continued influence and the direction of her party, refuses to rule out the possibility of breaking away from the GOP.
Her stance became evident when she was one of the seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial following the events of January 6, 2021. She has made it clear that she is no longer in support of the former president and stated that she “absolutely” would not vote for him.
“I wish that as Republicans, we had … a nominee that I could get behind,” Murkowski expressed to CNN. “I certainly can’t get behind Donald Trump.”
The senator’s contemplation of leaving the GOP stems from the party’s increasing alignment with Trump. During an interview, Murkowski refrained from confirming if she would remain a Republican.
When asked if she would consider becoming an independent, Murkowski replied, “Oh, I think I’m very independent-minded.” She further added, “I just regret that our party is seemingly becoming a party of Donald Trump.”
Amidst the political turbulence, Murkowski stated, “I am navigating my way through some very interesting political times. Let’s just leave it at that.”
Throughout her political career, Murkowski has faced challenges within her party. Initially appointed in 2002 by her father, Gov. Frank Murkowski, she was aligned with then-President George W. Bush. However, she later clashed with figures like Sarah Palin and faced opposition from the tea party movement in 2010.
Despite facing setbacks, Murkowski managed to secure reelection in subsequent cycles, even after taking controversial stances such as voting against Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court in 2018 and supporting Ketanji Brown Jackson in 2022.
Looking ahead, Murkowski, along with Senator Susan Collins of Maine, offered a late endorsement to former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in the 2024 cycle before Haley withdrew from the race.
Now, Murkowski is resolute in distancing herself from Trump. She condemned his recent remarks targeting Jewish voters and criticized his defense of individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection.
“I don’t think that it can be defended,” Murkowski asserted. “What happened on Jan. 6 was … an effort by people who stormed the building in an effort to stop an election certification. It can’t be defended.” — CNN
