Native Vote 2026. According to Axios, former Congresswoman Mary Peltola (D- AK) is interviewing potential campaign managers as she prepares for a possible challenge to Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in this year’s U.S. Senate election.
Peltola, a member of the Yup’ik community, made history when she won a 2022 special election following the unexpected death of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who had held the seat for 49 years. She secured a full term later that year after defeating Begich and former Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, who also served as governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009. She lost her reelection bid in 2024. Her voting record is publicly available.
She faces strong criticism from Alaska Republicans, with the Alaska GOP maintaining a “Peltola Files” section accusing her of opposing border security, supporting reduced penalties for violent crime, missing votes, and backing progressive social policies. Democrats, however, largely support Peltola, with some urging her to run for governor. Her past campaigns emphasized Democratic priorities such as support for Alaska Natives, labor unions, expanded childcare and healthcare access, environmental protections, education funding, and veterans’ programs.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who has publicly supported Peltola, said a potential Peltola–Sullivan race would put many Alaskans in a difficult position, noting Peltola’s bipartisan appeal while saying Sullivan is consolidating Republican and independent support.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is reportedly encouraging Peltola to run and has backed a $600,000 ad campaign against Sullivan. While Peltola has not formally announced, she is expected to do so by the end of the month.
If Peltola enters the race, she will be the second Native seeking a U.S. Senate seat this year. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation, is seeking the Democratic nomination to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN).
