Overview:
Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola advanced from Tuesday’s Alaska U.S. Senate primary, setting up a November matchup with Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. Peltola, a Yup’ik and the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, is seeking to make history again by becoming the first Alaska Native to serve in the U.S. Senate. The race is expected to draw national attention as Democrats target the Republican-held seat.
Native Vote 2026
Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, advanced from Tuesday’s Alaska U.S. Senate primary, setting up a closely watched November matchup against Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan.
With 80% of the votes in, according to The New York Times, Peltola had 48% to Sullivan’s 42.8% in the open primary.
Peltola and Sullivan were the two leading candidates in Alaska’s crowded 16-person nonpartisan primary. Under Alaska’s election system, the top four vote-getters advance to the November general election, which will be decided using ranked-choice voting.
Peltola’s advancement represents a significant milestone for Indian Country. If elected in November, she would become the first Alaska Native to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Peltola, a Democrat and Yup’ik, made history in 2022 when she won a special election to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Don Young. She became the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress and the first woman to represent Alaska in the U.S. House. She was reelected in 2022 before losing the House seat to Republican Nick Begich in 2024.
Tuesday’s result gives Peltola another opportunity to return to Congress, this time in a race that could have national implications. Democrats are seeking to regain control of the Senate, and Alaska is among the states where Republicans are defending a closely watched seat.
Peltola and Sullivan head to November
Sullivan, who is seeking a third term, and Peltola emerged as the two highest-profile candidates in the primary. Sullivan is a strong ally of President Donald Trump, while Peltola has campaigned as a moderate Democrat emphasizing an Alaska-first approach.
Peltola has focused her campaign on the cost of living, Alaska’s fisheries and what she describes as a political system that favors wealthy special interests. Her campaign has emphasized her deep Alaska roots and her willingness to break with national Democrats when she believes an issue is not in the state’s interests.
Sullivan has sought to portray Peltola as aligned with national Democrats and has criticized her record during her time in the House. He has campaigned on issues including military investment, energy development and support for President Trump’s agenda.
The contest is expected to attract substantial national attention and spending because the outcome could help determine control of the U.S. Senate.
An unusual primary
The Alaska Senate race also drew national attention because two candidates named Dan Sullivan appeared on the ballot.
Incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan faced Dan J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher running as an independent. The unusual matchup generated accusations from Republicans that the second Sullivan’s candidacy could confuse voters. Dan J. Sullivan has denied that his candidacy was intended to mislead voters. The U.S. Justice Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the candidacy.
The second Sullivan was among the candidates competing for one of the four spots in the November election.
A historic opportunity for Alaska Native voters
For Native voters across Alaska, Peltola’s campaign carries particular significance.
Peltola’s 2022 election broke a barrier that had stood throughout Alaska’s history. Her return to the statewide ballot provides Alaska Native voters with an opportunity to potentially send an Alaska Native woman to the U.S. Senate for the first time.
Her campaign has continued to stress issues important to Alaska communities, including fisheries, affordability and the state’s rural communities.
Peltola’s previous congressional victory also demonstrated the potential strength of Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system. In November, voters will rank the candidates who advance from Tuesday’s primary, with candidates eliminated and their voters’ next choices redistributed until one candidate receives a majority.
With Peltola and Sullivan now headed toward a November showdown, Alaska’s Senate race is poised to become one of the nation’s most closely watched contests — and potentially one of the most consequential elections in the history of Alaska Native representation.
