JUNEAU, Alaska – Republican U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Representative Mary Peltola are swiftly shifting into gear for their general election campaign following a competitive primary in Alaska. The race has garnered national attention due to its implications for control of the Senate, prompting both candidates to critique each other’s congressional records while outlining their visions for the future of Alaska.
In the lead-up to the primary, Sullivan intensified his attacks on Peltola, questioning her effectiveness in Congress and attempting to associate her with the more liberal factions of the Democratic Party. In contrast, Peltola has emphasized her commitment to representing “regular” Alaskans, vowing to push back against the influence of special interests and wealthy politicians.
Both Sullivan and Peltola are recognized as the frontrunners for the November election, bolstered by strong fundraising efforts and significant name recognition across the state.
The Senate race is just one of several key contests decided in the recent primary. Alaska’s open primary system allowed all candidates to appear on a single ballot, enabling the top four vote-getters to qualify for the ranked-choice general election. As of now, it remains too early to definitively identify all candidates advancing from the major races.
In the House race, Republican Nick Begich advanced alongside independent Bill Hill. Meanwhile, two Democrats, former lawmakers Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich (Nick’s uncle), will also be on the ballot in the governor’s race.
Voters also approved a ballot measure aimed at reimposing campaign contribution limits, which had been removed five years earlier by a divided federal appeals court.
High Stakes in the Senate Race
The Senate race features two well-known candidates, with Sullivan and Peltola standing out among a field of 16. Their prominence and fundraising capabilities have attracted significant attention from both Republican and Democratic campaign organizations, labeling Alaska’s Senate seat as a critical target in the broader battle for Senate control.
Peltola, who made history in 2022 as the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress, has taken a centrist approach, reviving her “fish, family, freedom” slogan that initially propelled her into office. However, just before the primary, she made significant changes to her campaign leadership, citing a transition period into the general election.
Sullivan, seeking a third term, has campaigned on a platform that includes military support, promoting oil and gas extraction, and endorsing Trump’s tax and spending policies. He has framed himself as an effective advocate for Alaska, asserting that “D.C. Democrats” lack a vision for the state and have opposed initiatives crucial to Alaskans, such as oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Peltola, on her part, has highlighted her collaborative efforts with Sullivan, citing the challenges posed to Alaska by the Trump administration, including federal workforce reductions. She criticized Sullivan for supporting policies that she argues favor corporate interests over the needs of Alaskans.
Controversy Over Name Confusion
An unusual twist in the primary involved another candidate named Dan Sullivan, who managed to appear on the ballot despite claims from the incumbent and GOP allies that he was a deceptive candidate intended to confuse voters. Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg, asserted that his candidacy stemmed from genuine frustration with the incumbent’s performance. He appeared on the ballot as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a move designed to reduce any potential confusion.
As the results come in, it remains uncertain whether he will be among the four candidates advancing to the general election.
House and Governor Races in Transition
In the House race, Nick Begich, who has received Trump’s endorsement, has positioned himself as a hardworking and effective representative. He believes the primary results indicate that Alaskans are ready to see him return to Congress. Hill, a fisherman and former educator, is focusing on affordability issues, addressing the high costs of living in Alaska.
The governor’s race is wide open, with Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy ineligible to run for a third consecutive term due to term limits. A crowded field of Republican candidates is vying for the position, while Alaska has not seen a Democratic governor since Tony Knowles left office in 2002.
Prominent Republican candidates include Bernadette Wilson, a businessperson and conservative activist; Click Bishop, a former lawmaker; and Anchorage’s former mayor, Dave Bronson, among others.
As the general election approaches, both Senate and House races in Alaska are set to intensify, with candidates working to articulate their positions and outline their plans for the state.
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Associated Press writer Mark Thiessen in Anchorage contributed to this report.
