Trump-Endorsed Kelly Tshibaka Advances to General Election: ‘First Step in Breaking the Murkowski Monarchy’s Grip’

Trump-endorsed Kelly Tshibaka on Wednesday advanced from the Alaskan Republican primary to the general election against incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

Tshibaka is only trailing the 21-year incumbent in Tuesday’s primary by 3.3 points (40.4 – 43.7 percent) with 69 percent reporting. Tshibaka and Murkowski will face off again in the November general election, according to Alaska’s election rules.

Tshibaka’s success in progressing to round two closely behind Murkowski “is just the first step in breaking the Murkowski monarchy’s grip on Alaska,” Tshibaka said in a released statement early Wednesday morning.

“After 21 years in the Senate, in a seat she was appointed to by her father which she funds with dark money from outside our state, Lisa Murkowski cares more about her status with the Washington, D.C. insiders than she does about what the people here at home think,” Tshibaka said. “Tonight’s results also demonstrate that voters have clear choices.”

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – JULY 09: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kelly Tshibaka (L) pumps her fist as former U.S. President Donald Trump (R) looks on during a “Save America” rally at Alaska Airlines Center on July 09, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska. Former President Donald Trump held a “Save America” rally in Anchorage where he campaigned with U.S. House candidate former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and U.S. Senate candidate Kelly Tshibaka. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

“We already know that Murkowski says one thing in Alaska and then does the complete opposite in D.C. And we know that people on both sides of important issues – like abortion and the 2nd Amendment – can’t trust her because she’s always speaking out of both sides of her mouth,” Tshibaka added.