Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said it's possible she will switch parties and become a Democrat

[LetMyPeopleVote]

Link to tweet

[Ocelot II]

1. Come to the light, Lisa....

[GoCubsGo]

3. Or, if it makes her feel better about things,

she can just become an independent and caucus with the Dems, like Bernie Sanders and Angus King. That being said, it would be nice to see the defection going the other way for a change.

[DownriverDem]

42. Would rather

she beome a Dem. As a proud member of the Democratic Party we welcome her.

[AllaN01Bear]

18. ding. x10000

[Conjuay]

54. We bake cookies!

[JustAnotherGen]

2. Even though it links to

Twitter - its well worth the rec! This is huge.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Another Manchin? nt

[ShazzieB]

31. I don't think so.

That's not who Lisa Murkowski is. I think she's one of very, very few Republicans in the Senate who actually have, what are those things called? Oh yeah, principles!

Come on in, Lisa!

[liberalla]

49. I agree! She's not your typical Repub!

The party left her a long time ago...

[MadameButterfly]

94. More principles than the average Republican is a very low bar

She says she would blackmail Dems to allow her to pass legislation for Alaskans because that's who she cares about.
She emphasizes disagreeing with so many policies of Democrats.
WTF? Has she noticed authoritarian rule?
Does she think Alaska would benefit from the US remaining a democracy?
Is she concerned about due process, the federal government being gutted, unprovoked wars, free and fair elections?
No, apparently she just wants pork for Alaska.

Maybe this is what she has to say to make this change and get re-elected and stay alive.
I can hope underneath it all the problem is she doesn't want to be a Nazi.
But it's disappointing, not one mention of the drift of the Republican party as a factor.
From the title, I got my hopes up.

[ShazzieB]

107. She does seem to be on the horns of a dilemma.

After watching the video, I came to realize that she didn't actually say what the article implied. (I should have watched it before commenting, ha!)

My impression from the video is that she is very, very unhappy about what's going on with the GOP, but like a lot of politicians with a long time allegiance to a particular party, she's not happy about what walking away from that would mean, either. I have a feeling she's considering multiple possibilities, doesn't love any of them, and is struggling to figure out what to do. I hope she eventually manages to make the right choice.

[MadameButterfly]

108. OK I have to give her that she's a lifelong Republican

second generation Republican office holder, and all that.
But I have trouble understanding the dilemna when going along makes you a Nazi and you have a chance to make a difference.
I'm not asking her to support Universal Healthcare, just democracy.

[Mountainguy]

69. You perfer Jim Justice?

[MadameButterfly]

95. Manchin was better than a Republican

and she would be too.
But it would be nice if she did this for more than leverage for ALaska.

In the scenario the interviewer presented, she would have immense power, as Manchin did.

[HarryM]

89. Exactly my thoughts.

[newdeal2]

5. Will that let Fetterman off the hook?

But yes she should just become an I and caucus with the Dems at the very least.

[iemanja]

59. Why should Fetterman be let off the hook?

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. I have become so jaded over the years that I don't believe anything like this until they actually do it.

All well and good to give us an "It's possible," but it means absolutely nothing without committing and following through.

[hamsterjill]

28. +1000

Exactly. When it's a done deal, I'll be excited. Until then, I will remain skeptical.

[littlemissmartypants]

35. I watched her interview on CBS this morning. ...

She was mealy mouthing some weasel words. I don't trust her.

[liberalla]

50. Maybe sending a msg to the repubs?

You're pushing too hard?
(not that it would do any good...)

[littlemissmartypants]

61. I didn't hear a clear message this morning that's for sure. ...

She was talking in circles, being evasive. She's selling her book that's why she's in the news now. Nothing extra.

[not fooled]

44. This smells of an attempt to fake some opposition to the "Loot America" bill

If she actually does it I will fall over from shock.

[babylonsister]

71. She's plugging a book so there's that, but

she's one of the few decent rethugs out there, so I would welcome her...if it happens.

[cadoman]

104. there's a career to be had in the center -- playing the parties off each other

It's a balancing act, but if a politician is not too egregious about doing it they can bring home a lot of bacon for their constituents.

Swing votes are incredibly valuable.

When they overextend their leverage they tend to become outcasts though.

[leftstreet]

7. "I don't see the Democrats being much better"

I think people need to actually watch the video

[writerJT]

12. Indeed. Totally misleading.

But we’re in a world of headlines and short attention spans, and this site is no exception.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

37. Yeah, headline isn't even close to accurate.

[AloeVera]

52. Oh. Deflated. N/T

[mcar]

8. Yes please!

[BOSSHOG]

9. Lisa, Make a NIKE Commercial. Now.

JUST DO IT. You’ve thought about. Ya wanna do it.

[SSJVegeta]

10. That could be helpful. But 3 more would be...

More helpful

[SSJVegeta]

11. Also better because: Democratic supporters don't generally send death threats to Democrats they dont like

We just talk shit about them.

[sunflowerseed]

13. Stop being concerned and start doing something!

[ShazzieB]

33. Susan Collins of Maine is the one who always talks about being "concerned," not Murkowski!

I know it's hard to keep 'em all straight!

But I've had my eye on Lisa for a while, and I like the cut of her jib. I hope she really does ditch the GOP, because i really don't think she belongs there.

[Kali999]

14. Good

Republicans primaried her years ago. I don't she'd be a Manchin. Seems to be
Fettermans job. And Rep Jarred Golden. I hope she does.

[AverageOldGuy]

15. Okay, but . . .

. . . don’t bring Sarah Palin with you.

[Trust_Reality]

17. Ha. Good one.

[ShazzieB]

34. No worries....Sarah Palin would never leave the GOP!

Seriously, Palin's a Repub through and through. I'm sure she believes all the lies. Every last one of them, including that the 2020 election was stolen and the Dobbs decision was a great idea. That's the kind of trash she is!

[Joinfortmill]

16. This is good news.

[WarGamer]

19. I'm afraid Fetterman might do the same.

[GiqueCee]

48. Senator Fetterman needs help...

... I fear that stroke he had has clouded his judgment. I hope his people can coax him in that direction. And maybe convince him to dress like a grown-up when the Senate's in session. Even though members of the Senate can be exasperating, the institution itself deserves at least that much respect.

[Emile]

56. Fetterman needs to resign and Governor Shapiro

needs to pick a replacement to finish his term.

[Irish_Dem]

20. Talk is cheap Lisa.

Get off your ass and do something.
Don't just talk about it.

[DENVERPOPS]

79. Exactly

Actions speak far louder than words

[Irish_Dem]

92. US senators are looking worse by the day.

[wryter2000]

21. I'll welcome her

[madaboutharry]

22. Nowhere in this video does she say that it is possible she would switch parties.

And become a democrat. Whoever wrote this didn’t listen to the clip.

[mahina]

23. At least our folks wonʻt threaten her life on the daily.

I bet she does.

[Uncle Joe]

24. Kicked and recommended

Thanks for the thread LetMyPeopleVote

[obamanut2012]

25. The headline is wrong -- she did not say that

[mellow]

26. No -- no she didn't.

This is a misleading headline. She said "there is some openness to exploring something different than the status quo." But she also said she found more fault with the Democratic Party than the Republican Party.

[PatSeg]

41. That is so annoying

These misleading headlines are really irritating.

[markpkessinger]

27. Tell us when you actually do it, Lisa . . .

. . . until then, it's all just talk.

[choie]

29. Yeah sure.

[Figarosmom]

30. Hope shes brave enough.

Since she said it out loud, knowing she'll get threats I'm thinking she will do it. That would make it 46/ 52 plus 2 indies that caucus with us. = 48/ 52 we'd need just 3 more.

[littlemissmartypants]

36. She's not.

[JoseBalow]

32. Blah, blah, blah... Show me your votes.

[no_hypocrisy]

38. Empty rhetoric

Yesterday on Twitter, Lisa Murkowski wholly endorsed TSF's bombing of Iran. Emphatically.

Converting to being a Democrat might offer John Fetterman some company.

[Paladin]

39. I'll believe it, if and when it happens. Not before. (nt)

[PatSeg]

40. I was wondering when that would happen

Clearly, the republican party does not reflect her values.

[dweller]

43. Pull the other one , Lisa

It has bells on it




✌🏻

[yardwork]

45. I hope she does.

[totodeinhere]

62. I hope she doesn't. She is a life-long Republican who votes for the Trump agenda most of the time.

If she switches parties I won't trust her. We need a real Democrat in that seat.

[BaronChocula]

46. She doesn't say that she would become a Democrat

She toys with the idea of caucusing with Democrats if it's good for Alaska.
At 2:25 Host says:
"...you wouldn't become uh, a Democrat, right? In this situation you would be an Independent... Is there a world in which by becoming unaligned or independent you could help Alaskans that you would consider it?"

She responds:
"There may be that possibility and let me put it into context..."

[liberalla]

47. Don't tease me Lisa!!!

That's not nice!!!

[stillcool]

51. How often does she vote in opposition to the GOP?

[live love laugh]

88. Never.

[Abolishinist]

53. Assuming you took the time to listen to what you posted,

please clarify for those of us who actually DID waste our time listening to this where we missed the STUNNING MOMENT when she said it's possible she will switch parties and become a Democrat.

Thanks in advance!

[AKwannabe]

55. ...

[pamdb]

57. well

That will make it even when Fetterman joins the republicans. Seems like he's halfway there.

[Jit423]

58. Damn! That would be great. Collins should do the same thing before she retires. She is on her way out. right? nt

[oldtime dfl_er]

60. Maybe good

but maybe a Kyrsten Sinema kind of a Democrat? That would suck

[LisaM]

63. As a fellow LisaM, I say about time.

And, welcome.

[flashman13]

64. Come on Lisa. There is still time for you to get on the right side of history.

[rickford66]

65. 10 or more years too late, but we'll take it.

[jeffreyi]

66. Dammit, do it.

[dajoki]

67. I'll believe it when I see it n/t

[calimary]

86. THIS! DON'T toy with us, Lisa.

[Evolve Dammit]

68. Unlike Collins who is irredeemable, Murkowski has a soul. Collins sold hers years ago.

[Takket]

70. we don't need her to switch parties. just vote against this monstrous bill

[Celerity]

72. Fake news tweet headline. She did NOT say she would become a Democrat, and she criticised the Dems as well. Watch the

video if anyone doubts this.

[Abolishinist]

74. And yet 90% of the posters believe it to be true, with 150 or so recs.

The OP should could have known this had they taken the time to listen. I mean if this is so earth-shattering why not, I certainly did. And if they happened to glance at the responses they'd have a clue that what they posted wasn't right, and yet nothing from them.

[Celerity]

90. The level of discernment on DU is far too low for too many. Combine that with misinfo OPs and you get this situ.

[WinstonSmith4740]

73. Come to the light, Senator!

We welcome you with open arms, and will protect you from.the slings and arrows of MAGA. These ARE the times that try men's souls, and today's rethugs are summer soldiers and sunshine patriots. Join the resistance and help us save this democracy.

[Hotler]

75. But how will you vote? nt

[PJMcK]

76. I'm not holding my breath

Senator Murkowski needs to show some backbone.

In reality, she's too little too late.

She should resign and disappear.

[regnaD kciN]

77. To paraphrase Wayne and Garth...

“It could happen. And constitutions could fly out my butt.”

[usaf-vet]

78. Please DO IT and start to return sanity to our country.

[SouthBayDem]

81. Possibly following in the footsteps of...

Jim Jeffords of Vermont (2001) and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania (2009).

[live love laugh]

82. We don't need another Manchin Democrat.

[ecstatic]

83. Do it.

Less talking and more action!

[MadMike47]

84. Talk is cheap

[C Moon]

85. Why threaten? Why not just do it?

[Nululu]

87. Why not?

She voted to save the ACA
To impeach trump
Repugs primaried her and won.
She won her reelection in a write in campaign
Maga hates her

She should switch parties.

[DFW]

91. If she's giving hints, then figure she's not going anywhere

If she really had drastic action in mind, she’d do it, not speculate openly. This is more a message to her fellow Republicans to stop asking “how high?” every time Trump says, “Jump!” She has not even made any concrete promises to completely stop doing it, herself.

[Oopsie Daisy]

93. No she won't. She's using this as leverage in some behind-the-scenes negotiating that's going on.

[Javaman]

96. meh, whatever, so we get a spineless repuke to help us

[Patton French]

97. Except that's not what she said in the video.

NT

[Abolishinist]

105. Forget it, Jake. It's DUtown.

[kentuck]

98. They don't have the courage...

...to even change to an "independent" and caucus with the Democrats.

Just two or three Senators could rescue this country and they refuse because they are cowards.

[Littlered]

99. It's possible

That I will find a check in my mailbox for 20 million dollars this morning.

[cstanleytech]

100. Only because she knows running publicly as a Republican is probably political suicide for her.

She'll still vote 99.99% with the Republicans.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

101. Maddow Blog-Lisa Murkowski's commitment to the Trump-era Republican Party appears increasingly shaky

Last edited Tue Jun 24, 2025, 11:24 AM - Edit history (1)

If the Alaska senator does leave the GOP, no one in the party can say they weren’t warned.

Hey Senator, I hope you do change parties to Independent to caucus with Democrats and bring along your Republican friends and colleagues!

Lisa Murkowski’s commitment to the Trump-era Republican Party appears increasingly shaky www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...

— Tabby (@tabbys-corner.bsky.social) 2025-06-24T15:15:07.477Z

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/lisa-murkowski-republican-alaska-trump-rcna214708

As part of her promotional efforts for in “Far from Home: An Alaskan Senator Faces the Extreme Climate of Washington, D.C.,” Murkowski has also made fresh comments about her party affiliation, some of which have raised eyebrows. Politico reported:

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, one of President Donald Trump’s most vocal critics in the Senate GOP, said in a podcast on Monday that there are certain situations in which she’d consider becoming an independent and caucusing with Democrats. ‘There may be that possibility,’ she told Galen Druke in an interview excerpt of his GD Politics podcast, scheduled to post in full on Tuesday.

“There is some openness to exploring something different than the status quo,” she told the host.

It’s important not to overstate matters, and those expecting an imminent announcement from Murkowski about her party label should probably temper their expectations. Indeed, the Alaskan specifically told NBC News this week that while she’s “very independent-minded,” she’s not planning to leave the Republican Party.

That said, Murkowski also told Semafor that she’s “considered” leaving the GOP, adding, “Do I feel that within my Republican conference, I always feel like I’m right here in my political home? No.”......

More than any Republican in Congress, the Alaskan can be counted on for candor about the state of her party in the Trump era. In fact, late last year, about a month after the president won a second term, the senator conceded that she felt “more comfortable” with no party label than with “an identity as a Republican.”

The comments came a few years after Murkowski also said, in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack, “If the Republican Party has become nothing more than the party of Trump, I sincerely question whether this is the party for me.”

I don’t pretend to know what’s going to happen, but if Murkowski does leave the GOP, no one in the party can say they weren’t warned.

[RandySF]

102. I'll believe it when I see it.

More likely she wants something from Thune.

[SpankMe]

103. I've been critical of some of her stuff, but I've gone strategic at this point

We need numbers. If she comes over, this marginally approves our numbers in the Senate. I'm willing to look past some of her nominally conservative views on certain issues if she puts a D before her name. Even if her voting patterns don't change much, more D's could alter things from committee assignments to cloture votes to - lots of stuff.

[Polybius]

106. Maybe we can trade her for Fetterman