Mary Peltola Enters Alaska’s Senate Race​

by sdmn

Mary Peltola launches a Senate bid against Dan Sullivan, setting up a competitive,
​high-stakes race in Republican-leaning Alaska.

Former U.S. House Rep. Mary Peltola announced on January 12, that she is running for U.S. Senate, setting up a high-profile contest against Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan in a race expected to draw the attention of the entire country and a sizable amount of campaign spending. Peltola, a Democrat, quickly rose to popularity after serving as the state’s at-large member of the U.S. House from 2022 to 2024, becoming both the first woman and the first Alaska Native to represent the state in Congress.

However, ever since her narrow lost in 2024, public opinion polling has continued to show her viewed positively by many Alaskans, even as the state backed President Donald Trump by a 13-point margin. Now, she is one of the most recognizable political figures in Alaska. A potential victory would not only mean a sizable shift in Alaskan politics, which traditionally have leaned Republican, it would also have ripples nationwide. Republicans currently hold the U.S. Senate by a 53–47 margin. If Peltola wins, she will bolster Democratic efforts to retake control, though Sullivan enters the race favored in a state that has leaned Republican in federal contests. Several lesser-known candidates have filed to run, but none aside from Sullivan has Peltola’s statewide profile or likely party backing.

In a video announcing her campaign, Peltola rooted her candidacy in her upbringing along the Kuskokwim River, stating that her campaign will focus on lowering food and energy costs, protecting fisheries, expanding housing and putting Alaska ahead of what she called Washington’s political self-dealing. She summarized that agenda with a familiar phrase: “fish, family and freedom.” She also invoked the legacies of former Sen. Ted Stevens and longtime Rep. Don Young.
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Her main competitor, Sullivan, first elected in 2014, responded through his campaign by emphasizing his legislative record and seniority. His spokesperson said Sullivan has delivered major investments in health care, the Coast Guard and energy development, drawing a sharp contrast with Peltola’s single term in the House. Endorsements have already underscored the divide. Alaska Democratic Party chair, Eric Croft, said he is backing Peltola, while Alaska’s senior senator, Lisa Murkowski, confirmed she will support Sullivan, citing the value of a Republican majority. Labor groups have split as well, with Teamsters Local 959 endorsing Sullivan, and SEIU 775 backing Peltola.