Senior U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski stopped to meet constituents on the central peninsula this weekend as part of her reelection campaign, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and nonpartisan legislation.

Murkowski stopped first at Everything Bagels in Soldotna on Saturday morning, where she chatted with community members before discussing her platform to the group of more than 30 people. The senator has held her seat since 2002 and is running against conservative Kelly Tshibaka of Anchorage, who is endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pamela Parker, the owner of Everything Bagels and a former Soldotna City Council member, expressed her support for Murkowski during the event Saturday.

“We’re just happy that we’ve got someone representing Alaska who really kind of sees beyond the party lines and is able to make informed bipartisan decisions,” she said. “We’re just happy to support Lisa, and we hope that you all will, too.”

During her remarks, Murkowski said one of her strengths as a politician is her ability to bring people together.

“I think we’ve veered far too far from what we used to call civil discourse; now it doesn’t seem there’s any discourse, it’s just arguing and fighting,” she said. “That’s not how we solve problems.”

During an interview with the Clarion in January, Murkowski highlighted her work on the Energy Act of 2020 — a bill to work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions — and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allotted funds for the Kenai bluff stabilization project, among others. Additionally, she stressed the importance of pushing for clean energy while still developing oil and natural gas resources to maintain economic stability in Alaska.

During the meet-and-greet Saturday, Murkowski was less specific about the details of her platform, but rather generalized her experience and qualifications for her reelection bid.

“I’m going around the state right now in these next few months again, reminding Alaskans of what I have done to serve you for these many, many years and asking for a continuation of our service together,” Murkowski said. “That’s the job that I’d like to continue to serve, but that service only comes with your permission.”

The campaign also stopped by the Soldotna Saturday Farmers’ Market, Brew 602, and the Rock’N the Ranch at the RustyRavin music festival.

Murkowski is up for reelection this November.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

Community members gather for a meet-and-greet with Sen. Lisa Murkowski at Everything Bagels in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, July 9, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)