Peltola out-raised and out-spent Sullivan, and enters the general election with less cash

Democrat Mary Peltola and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan both advanced from Tuesday's all-party primary and will meet in November's general election for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat. Peltola, a former U.S. representative, was the top vote-getter with about 48% in a crowded field; Sullivan, a two-term incumbent seeking a third term, took about 43%. Two more candidates will fill out the four-person general election ballot, which is decided by ranked choice voting, and those spots are still being determined as counting continues.

The two head into the fall in different financial positions. Federal filings through late July, before the primary, show Sullivan with about $7.3 million in his campaign account to Peltola's $4.6 million. Peltola has raised more overall this year, about $18.5 million, and spent most of it, roughly $13.9 million, on a hard-fought primary. Sullivan has raised about $11.7 million since 2021 and spent about $5.2 million, leaving him with the larger reserve going into the general.

Outside money is already moving. Federal filings show three super PACs spent close to $1 million combined on a single day in early August, most of it either supporting Sullivan or opposing Peltola.

In a message to supporters after the primary, Peltola's campaign said she heads into the general with a cash-on-hand disadvantage and asked for donations for the roughly 76 days until the Nov. 3 election. Sullivan, who is seeking a third six-year term, carries the advantages of incumbency and a larger war chest into the fall.