Alaska's open primary sets stage for high-stakes Senate rematch

Alaska held its open primary on Tuesday, with voters narrowing crowded fields in the state's top races ahead of November's general election. The ballot featured more than a dozen candidates each for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and governor, along with state legislative contests and a campaign finance initiative.

Under Alaska's open primary system, all candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party. The top four vote-getters in each race advance to the ranked-choice general election.

The Senate race, which could influence control of the chamber, drew national attention. Two-term Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan faced a field of 16, including Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola. Sullivan, a veteran and ally of President Donald Trump, highlighted his military support, energy development efforts, and the Trump tax and spending bill. Peltola campaigned on her "fish, family, freedom" slogan and criticized a political system she said favors special interests.

A third candidate — Republican Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher — also appeared on the ballot after a legal fight. The senator and GOP allies alleged the namesake was a sham candidate backed by Democrats to cause confusion. The challenger denied this, citing frustration with the incumbent. He appeared as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. with no party affiliation, while the senator was listed as Dan S. Sullivan, Republican, and incumbent. Trump weighed in, endorsing the senator and urging voters to choose "SULLIVAN, DAN S."

In the House race, Republican Rep. Nick Begich sought a second term against independent Bill Hill, a fisherman and former educator. Progressive Democrat Matt Schultz suspended his campaign but remained on the ballot, saying he would withdraw if he made the top four. Schultz urged support for Hill, who focused on affordability concerns.

The governor's race was open due to term limits on Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Democrats Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich — Nick Begich's uncle — sought to advance from a largely Republican field that included former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, former state officials Click Bishop, Adam Crum, and Treg Taylor, and conservative activist Bernadette Wilson. Former independent Gov. Bill Walker also ran.

Voters also considered a measure to reimpose campaign contribution limits, five years after a federal appeals court struck down several caps. The proposal would set a $2,000 individual limit for state and local candidates and a $5,000 cap for political parties, while also restricting group spending. Supporters argued limits curb special-interest influence; opponents said they would favor well-known candidates and restrict free speech. The debate comes amid record spending in races nationwide, including a Wisconsin Supreme Court contest that surpassed $100 million.