Sullivan ad misleads on Peltola's military vote, fact-checkers find, as Senate race tightens

FactCheck.org ruled Friday that television ads from Sen. Dan Sullivan and a supporting super PAC misleadingly claimed Democrat Mary Peltola opposed military pay raises, a finding that lands as both candidates press fuel and fisheries proposals in a Senate race four national forecasters now call a toss-up.

The fact-checking organization found that Peltola voted against the initial House version of the National Defense Authorization Act in July 2023 because of partisan amendments, including one that would have limited abortion access for military personnel. She voted for the final compromise bill, which included a 5.2% pay raise for service members. FactCheck.org said that "TV ads from Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and a super PAC supporting him… misleadingly claim that Peltola opposed military pay raises. She didn't." A spokesperson for Peltola's campaign said the ads are "lying about her record." The Sullivan campaign did not respond to FactCheck.org's request for comment.

The fact-check arrives as both campaigns contest fuel prices. Peltola proposed investigating price gouging and expanding in-state refining capacity. Sullivan secured an EPA emergency waiver Friday that relaxes sulfur requirements for Arctic-grade diesel above the Arctic Circle, which his office said could unlock up to 75,000 additional gallons of local refining capacity per day for 20 days.

Cook Political Report, Decision Desk HQ, RealClearPolitics, and Sabato's Crystal Ball all rate the race a toss-up. The nonpartisan primary is Aug. 18, with voter registration closing July 19.