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Lisa Murkowski Identifies as a ‘Ronald Reagan Republican’
In a recent event hosted by the centrist organization No Labels in Washington, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed her political identity, stating she aligns more with traditional Republican values reminiscent of Ronald Reagan than the current direction of the party under Donald Trump.
“I don’t think I’ve made any secret of the fact that I’m more of a Ronald Reagan Republican than I am a Trump Republican,” Murkowski remarked. She responded to comments questioning her party affiliation by asserting, “You can call me whatever you want to call me,” emphasizing her commitment to serving Alaskans over strict party loyalty.
Murkowski further clarified her stance, asserting that she remains a Republican, although she feels “not attached to a label.” Her focus, she stated, is on “trying to do right by the state and the people that I serve, regardless of party,” highlighting a pragmatic approach to politics.
Historically, Murkowski has distanced herself from Trump; she did not support his candidacies in 2016, 2020, or 2024 and was among a minority of GOP senators who voted to convict him following the January 6 insurrection. This background reflects her willingness to diverge from party lines when she believes it is necessary.
Earlier this year, Murkowski hinted at the possibility of an independent candidacy, expressing regret that the Republican Party appears to be increasingly aligned with Trump’s ideology. “Oh, I think I’m very independent-minded. I just regret that our party is seemingly becoming a party of Trump,” she noted, suggesting she is navigating complex political waters.
Recently, her position in the Senate has placed her in the spotlight, particularly as she is viewed as a critical vote regarding Trump’s nominee, Pete Hegseth, for a key role at the Pentagon. Additionally, she was among the handful of Senate Republicans who could not endorse former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s bid for attorney general, further illustrating her cautious stance within the party’s evolving landscape.
Source
thehill.com