Sullivan and Peltola Trade Barbs as Alaska Senate Race Moves to General Election

Alaska's marquee Senate contest is now officially a two-person fight, with Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Representative Mary Peltola emerging from Tuesday's primary as the clear frontrunners. Both candidates moved quickly to frame the general election narrative, exchanging sharp criticisms within hours of the results.

Sullivan, a veteran seeking a third term, has sought to paint Peltola as ineffective during her single term in Congress, which ended with her 2024 reelection loss. He has also worked to tie her to what he calls "Lower 48 liberals," arguing that national Democrats have no vision for Alaska and have targeted the state by opposing oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Peltola, who made history in 2022 as the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, is running on a centrist platform built around her "fish, family, freedom" slogan. She has cast herself as a champion of "regular people" against special interests and wealthy politicians, and has criticized Sullivan for supporting President Donald Trump's tax and spending law, which she says has failed to deliver opportunity to Alaskans and amounts to a vote for "corporate greed."

Both candidates vastly outraised their competitors in a field of 16, and national party organizations have identified the race as a top target in the fight for Senate control. The contest also drew attention for an unusual twist: a third candidate, retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., appeared on the ballot as an independent after winning a legal battle against the senator and his allies, who alleged he was a sham candidate. It remained unclear whether he would advance to the general election.

Tuesday's primary also shaped other statewide races. In the U.S. House contest, Republican Nick Begich advanced alongside independent Bill Hill. The open governor's race, which saw Republican Mike Dunleavy termed out, moved forward with former lawmakers Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich — Nick Begich's uncle — among the leading candidates. Voters also approved a ballot measure reinstating campaign contribution limits, five years after a federal appeals court struck down previous caps.