Lisa Murkowski has represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate since December 2002. She is the senior Republican woman in the Senate and the second-longest-serving Republican woman ever (after Margaret Chase Smith). She won re-election in 2010 as a write-in candidate after losing the Republican primary to Joe Miller — one of the most extraordinary Senate election outcomes in modern history. She is among the most moderate Senate Republicans, frequently crossing party lines on judicial nominations, healthcare, and women's-issues legislation. She chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Four promises chosen to span how voters across the political spectrum view this politician's record.
Murkowski secured ANWR drilling provisions in TCJA (2017). Secured Willow Project approval (March 2023, Biden administration). Multiple Alaska-specific resource provisions in appropriations and authorizations.
Voted NO on 2017 skinny repeal (1 of 3 Republican defectors). Voted GUILTY on Trump's 2nd impeachment (1 of 7 Republicans). Voted YES on BSCA, CHIPS, RFMA. Lugar Center Bipartisan Index top-3 most-bipartisan senator.
Murkowski voted NO on Kavanaugh confirmation (October 2018, citing concerns about Roe). She voted FOR cloture on WHPA (May 2022, after Dobbs draft leak). Dobbs (June 2022) overturned Roe with Kavanaugh in majority. Murkowski's vote was consistent with the stated position; the outcome (Roe preservation) did not occur. Per obstruction rule, the proximate cause was the Court's composition + Manchin's WHPA cloture NO — Murkowski's own actions were aligned.
Voted YES on Gorsuch, Barrett (citing qualification standard) but NO on Kavanaugh (citing process concerns). Voted YES on Justice Jackson (April 2022) — one of 3 Republicans. Voted to confirm most Trump and Biden lower-court nominees on qualification grounds.
Hold the line on federal spending.
Voted YES on TCJA, CARES, multiple appropriations. National debt rose from $19.9T to $35T+ during her tenure period.
Pass infrastructure investment.
Voted YES on IIJA (November 2021), Gang of 21 negotiator.
Support Alaska Native communities.
Secured Alaska Native–specific provisions in multiple appropriations. Co-sponsored Indian Health Service reauthorizations. Voted YES on Native American legislation.
Defend religious liberty.
Voted YES on Respect for Marriage Act (which included religious-liberty protections) — one of 12 Republicans. Supported religious-employer protections.
Reach 2% NATO defense spending.
NATO 2% spending rose from 3 nations (2014) to 23 (2024). Russia invasion was likely larger driver than U.S. pressure.
Confirm Trump-era judicial nominees who meet qualification standard.
Voted YES on Gorsuch, Barrett. Voted NO on Kavanaugh (one of two Republican defectors). Voted YES on majority of lower-court Trump nominees.
Defend ACA pre-existing conditions protections.
Voted NO on 2017 skinny repeal. Voted against Texas v. Azar position.
Pass gun safety legislation.
Voted YES on BSCA (June 2022) — one of 15 Republicans.
Support Israel.
Voted YES on Israel aid packages.
Convict Trump in 2021 impeachment.
Voted GUILTY on second impeachment (February 13, 2021) — one of 7 Republicans. Did not vote to convict on first impeachment.
Restore voting rights / pass John Lewis VRA.
Murkowski voted YES on cloture on John Lewis VRA in November 2021 (50-49, failed; Murkowski was the lone Republican YES). She voted against filibuster carve-out. Substantive outcome did not occur.
Oppose extreme partisanship.
Voted GUILTY on Trump's 2nd impeachment. Voted YES on BSCA, CHIPS, RFMA. Republican base critics charge that 'oppose extreme partisanship' has become 'capitulate to Democratic priorities.' Framework-dependent.
With enough demand for objective journalism, SEALED Press researches and writes the next book in the series — full case studies, paper trails, and color-coded verdicts on every promise this politician has made.