Despite expectations of easy confirmation for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins broke ranks to oppose his nomination. They highlighted his lack of relevant experience and a history of negative statements regarding women's roles in the military. Although many Republican women supported Hegseth, Murkowski and Collins's dissent illustrates their unique positions and the factors allowing them to stray from party lines without risking political consequences, particularly Murkowski's notable electoral resilience and the impact of Alaska's ranked-choice voting system.
Murkowski and Collins voted against Hegseth’s nomination due to his lack of relevant experience and history of hostility towards women's roles in the military.
The partisan math in the Senate allows Collins and Murkowski to vote against Trump’s nominee without jeopardizing the president’s agenda.
Murkowski’s unique electoral history enables her to vote her conscience, having won against her party's wishes multiple times and benefiting from ranked-choice voting.
While several Republican women in the Senate supported Hegseth, Collins and Murkowski’s dissent highlights their willingness to stand against the party when necessary.
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