Peltola challenges Sullivan for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat

Mary Peltola, a Yup'ik Alaskan and former at-large U.S. representative, announced in January 2026 that she is challenging Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan top-four primary is Aug. 18. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 4.

Peltola is the first Alaska Native elected to Congress. She lost her 2024 House seat by 6,722 votes in a state Donald Trump carried by 13 points. Public polls in mid-2026 have shown Peltola leading Sullivan by roughly five to seven points in a state with recent double-digit Republican margins.

Sullivan had raised $9.1 million as of March 31 to Peltola's $8.7 million. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has endorsed Sullivan, who is seeking a third term. Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have integrated Peltola's candidacy into a broader national strategy to reclaim the Senate majority.

Peltola's campaign centers on fishing, family, and freedom. She claims to have secured more than $9 billion for state infrastructure and rural broadband and a ban on foreign trawled fish after five years of delays.

On June 29, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that namesake challenger Dan J. Sullivan could remain on the primary ballot. The Division of Elections will list him as "Sullivan, Daniel J. Jr." with no party affiliation.

Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 2. Absentee ballot requests by mail must be received by Oct. 24. Requests by online or fax are due by Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 13.